The streets of Madrid witnessed an extraordinary display of athleticism as tens of thousands of runners gathered for the highly anticipated Madrid Marathon on Sunday, April 28th. Among the sea of participants, it was the Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes who stood out, showcasing their prowess in both the men’s and women’s races.

In the men’s competition, an Ethiopian runner surged ahead early in the 42-kilometer course, establishing a commanding lead. Despite facing formidable challenges in the form of heat stroke and a hamstring strain in the final 7 kilometers, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, ultimately clinching victory in what marked the second triumph of his career.

Mitku Tafa’s triumph was hard-earned and well-deserved, as he crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 58 seconds. Hot on his heels were fellow Ethiopians Fikre Bekele and Kenyan athlete Douglas Chebii, who secured second and third place respectively, in a testament to the fierce competition among the East African contenders.

Meanwhile, in the women’s race, the spotlight shone on Naom Jebet, the reigning champion of the 2023 Nairobi City Marathon. Jebet delivered a stellar performance, seizing her first international marathon victory on the streets of Madrid. With sheer determination and unwavering focus, she surged ahead in the final stretch, leaving her competitors trailing behind. Jebet crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 20 seconds, a remarkable 44 seconds ahead of Ethiopia’s Bontu Bekele, who claimed the second spot.

Adding to the Ethiopian presence on the podium was Kebene Chala, who secured third place, further solidifying the dominance of East African runners in the prestigious event.

The Madrid Marathon not only showcased the incredible talent and resilience of these athletes but also served as a platform for unity and sportsmanship on an international stage. As the world watched in awe, the Kenyan and Ethiopian runners left an indelible mark on the streets of Madrid, inspiring countless individuals with their extraordinary feats of endurance and determination.