Men’s Elite International Runners Asmere, Rono, and Lemi, alongside Women’s Elite International Runners Minsewo, Genemo, and Eshete, arrive in Mumbai as the countdown to the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 begins.
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The Tata Mumbai Marathon, first held in 2004, is celebrating its twentieth edition this Sunday (19 Jan). A World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, has served as a memorable platform for athletes. Incidentally, South African Hendrik Ramaala, winner of the inaugural edition here in 2004, went on to win the popular New Yark marathon later that year. The race has also helped many athletes to qualify for the World championships and Olympic Games on several occasions.
This Sunday’s race will witness last year’s champions from Ethiopia, Lemi Berhanu and Aberash Minsewo, trying to emulate their 2024 wins again. Interestingly, Berhanu will try an unprecedented hat trick this year. If successful, it will be a first in the race’s history.
Lemi Berhanu who is eyeing a historic hat-trick this year is ready to go for the treble, “My preparation for the Mumbai Marathon has been excellent, especially after Beijing. I’ve been focused on training and am aiming for my third win this Sunday. I have good experience with this course, and I believe my preparation gives me an advantage. I always listen to my coach and manager, following their program without deviation. Their guidance and my patience have been key to my progress. I’ve waited a long time for this moment, and I’m confident in delivering a strong performance on Sunday.”
Ethiopian women’s winner Bazezew Asmare is also in good shape to defend her title, “I ran my last marathon with a small injury, but now I’m fully fit and well-prepared for Sunday. If I get a good result here, it will be a step forward in my career. Representing my country, Ethiopia, is my ultimate goal, and I believe a strong performance in Mumbai can help me move closer to that dream.”
The duo is joined by Kenyan Philemon Rono, a three-time winner in Mumbai, and three other Elite runners: Bazezew Asmare in the men’s section, Shitaye Ehete, and Shuko Gemeo in the international elite athletes to set the stage for a good contest on Sunday. While the above three runners originated from Ethiopia, Eshete migrated to Bahrain, representing her adopted country internationally.
The first three finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories will receive USD 50,000, $25,000, and $15,000 from the prize pot of USD 389,524. A reward of USD 15,000 also awaits those who break the existing event records in their respective categories.
Ethiopians Hayle Lemi Berhanu (2:07:32) and Anchialem Haymanot (2:24:15) have held the event records since 2023.
