Ethiopia's Milkesa Mengesha won the 2024 Berlin Marathon in a thrilling finish, narrowly defeating Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut in the final 400 meters. Mengesha finished with a personal best of 2:03:17, just shy of Eliud Kipchoge's course record of 2:01:09.

Ethiopia's Tadese Takele, who held the fastest personal best of 2:03:24, led a group of 14 athletes through the early kilometers. The pace was rapid, with the first 5 kilometers completed in 14:25, projecting a finish near Kipchoge’s world record at 2:01:30.

The group maintained a relentless pace, reaching the 10-kilometer mark in 28:50, with a slight reduction to 12 runners. By 15 kilometers, they were still pursuing history, recording a time of 43:13—just slightly slower than Kelvin Kiptum's split in his world record run in Chicago.

As the race continued, the lead group remained closely packed, reaching the half-marathon in an impressive 60:57, right on pace for a 2:02 finish.

Kibiwott Kandie of Kenya took the lead with a blistering 2:47-kilometer split, the fastest thus far, in a bid to break away. Renowned for his half-marathon strength, Kandie was expected to deliver an impressive marathon performance. However, by the 30-kilometer mark, his momentum waned after he missed his drink station, and despite a brief rally, his early efforts began to take their toll.

With 10 kilometers to go, the field narrowed to four: Mengesha, Kenya's Stephen Kiprop and Cybrian Kotut, along with Ethiopia's Haymanot Alew. By the 40-kilometer mark, Alew had fallen behind, leaving a three-man showdown among Mengesha, Kotut, and Kiprop.

Mengesha, aiming for a new Under-20 world record, demonstrated remarkable strength as he surged ahead with 400 meters remaining. Kotut couldn't keep up, watching Mengesha pull away to clinch victory in 2:03:17.

Kotut finished second, just seconds behind, while Kiprop took fourth with a time of 02:03:37, trailing Haymanot Ayew, who secured third at 02:03:31. Mengesha's time ranked among the year's top performances, but the world record remained out of reach.

Aside from the podium, several personal bests were achieved in the race. Yohei Ikeda of Japan made a remarkable late surge, overtaking pre-race favorite Tadese Takele at the finish line to claim sixth place. Ikeda never joined the lead pack but showcased remarkable endurance, finishing ahead of many top contenders.

Mengesha's victory in Berlin, though short of a world record, cements his status as a rising star in the marathon scene. Alongside Kotut and Kiprop, his performance highlights an exciting era ahead for distance running.

Kotut Uncovers Secrets to Berlin Marathon Success

Cyprian Kotut, the Kenyan runner who secured an impressive second-place finish at the Berlin Marathon, has revealed his strategic approach to outmaneuvering his competitors. Kotut shares insights into his training regimen, race tactics, and mental preparation that contributed to his remarkable performance.

CyBrian Kotut shared that his lack of experience almost cost him during the Berlin Marathon on Sunday, where he ultimately finished an impressive second.

He clocked a personal best of 2:03:22, just behind Ethiopian Milkesha Mengesha, who won with a time of 2:03:17. Kotut maintained pace with Mengesha for most of the race before being outpaced in the final 100 meters.

Swahili to the world 🙌🏾 Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut finished 2nd in the Berlin Marathon, his second-ever marathon!

Nimefika Germany ili nipate kujua jinsi mbio zilivyokuwa.

Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) September 29, 2024

“When I started, I was not sure if I would be in the first group. I had done my training well but I was doubting my experience, I was like, ‘should I go with the leading group or the second one?’. But I decided to go with the first group I told myself if I go alone or with the second group, it would be difficult to catch up,” Kotut told CNNjournalist Larry Madowo.

“So, I decided to go with the first group and see what would happen. I am happy it came out well.”

It was the Kenyan runner’s first major marathon since finishing ninth in Boston in April this year and he says that bad experience in the US city was lingering in his mind and almost cost him a place on the podium in Berlin.

“When I went to Boston, I had trained very well just like I did before I came to Berlin but Boston is a very unique marathon and it was tough for me because I lacked experience on how to handle the Boston course,” he added.

“Coming here [Berlin], I told myself I have trained well and I want to know if it was the nature of Boston Marathon course or whether it is just my body but I realised in Boston that I was also in good shape but had a challenge in handling the course.

“I came with the same shape; here [Berlin] was competitive. I really wanted to give Berlin something as they celebrate for giving me this visibility and what I coincidentally discovered is that Berlin are celebrating 50th anniversary and I am celebrating my personal best and my first-ever podium in a major marathon.”

Kotut’s last podium finish was second place in Amsterdam last year when he clocked 2:04:34 in what was his personal best.

Chicago Marathon Earns Prestigious Award After Runner's Death

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe sheds light on the story behind Chicago Marathon's prestigious Heritage Plaque, awarded in part due to the heartbreaking passing of runner Kelvin Kiptum.

Coe explained that the Chicago Marathon's storied history, dating back over a century, was another factor in their decision. The city's impressive record of world records in the marathon event further solidified its place as a worthy recipient of the prestigious Heritage Plaque.

The Chicago Marathon has a storied history of world records, sadly marked by a tragic event this February. Kelvin Kiptum, a brilliant young Kenyan runner, had shattered the men's world record in the city just a few months prior, coming tantalizingly close to breaking the two-hour barrier," Coe said.

The World Athletics Heritage Plaque is a prestigious honor bestowed upon special places that have played a significant role in the history and evolution of track and field athletics. These locations are recognized for their exceptional contributions to the sport, both on and off the track, including cross country, mountain, road, trail, ultra-running, and race walking.

Chicago, a gem in the international marathon scene, now boasts the newly crowned Olympic champion Sifa Hassan as its women's course record holder," Coe explained.

The city of Chicago, inspired by the success of Boston's annual marathon, first staged its own foot race in 1905. Just like its East Coast counterpart, which debuted in 1897, the year after the marathon's inception at the Athens Olympics, Chicago's marathon quickly became a beloved tradition.

The Chicago Marathon's dedication to the sport of road running is truly exceptional," Coe continued. "This prestigious Heritage Plaque is a well-deserved recognition of their significant contributions to the history and development of the discipline.

For Mila Pulse Sport

~ DAN ~