Berlin, Germany - September 29, 2024

Milkesa Mengesha and Tigist Ketema claimed victories at the 50th BMW Berlin Marathon on Sunday, September 29, 2024, capping off a day marked by exceptional weather and an intense finish. Mengesha took the men's title in 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 17 seconds, while Ketema dominated the women's race at 2:16:42. Mengesha's victory came after a tactical race in which he out-sprinted Kenya's Cybrian Kotut in the final stretch. The 24-year-old Mengesha, one of Ethiopia's rising stars, held his composure as the men's elite pack whittled down to just a few contenders in the closing kilometers. His win in Berlin represents a new personal best and solidifies his place as a top marathoner after earlier successes, including a win at the Daegu Marathon in 2023. The women's race saw a commanding performance from Ketema, who broke away from the field early and maintained her lead throughout. The 26-year-old, who set the fastest debut marathon time for a woman earlier this year in Dubai, crossed the finish line comfortably ahead of her rivals. Her victory continues a streak of Ethiopian dominance in the Berlin Marathon, with the last five female champions hailing from Ethiopia.