Ethiopian Show of Force At New Delhi Half
The 2008 and 2009 champion returns.
The 2008 and 2009 champion returns.
Some of the best runners Ethiopia has to offer will be competing in the Aritel Delhi Half Marathon on November 27. In the men’s race, former Boston Marathon champion Deriba Merga will be in attendance, while in the women’s division Aselefech Mergia will be in the mix.
Merga won the race in 2008 and 2009. At 59 minutes and 15 seconds, Merga still retains the course record. He is ranked fourth in the world on the roads. Joining Merga will be a host of athletes from other distance-running powerhouse nations like Kenya, Tanzania, and Eritrea. Of the entire field, nine runners have personal bests under 60 minutes.
Merga won the Ras Al-Khaima Half Marathon this year, clocking 59:25.
Fellow Ethiopians Tilahun Regassa and Lelisa Desisa will be joining Merga at the start. Kenya’s best hope is Sammy Kitwara, who, with his 58:48 showing earlier this year, makes him the fastest man in the field. Other Kenyans include Stephen Kibiwott, Philemon Limo, Mark Kiptoo and Emmanuel Bett.
For More: Times of India