Famous Ethiopian Marathon Runners

Kenenisa Bekele Beyecha is an Ethiopian long-distance runner known for his exceptional achievements in cross country, track, and road racing. He held world records in the 5,000m and 10,000m events and won multiple Olympic and World Championships titles. Bekele has dominated the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, securing numerous titles. He showcased his versatility by excelling in events ranging from 3,000m to marathons, setting impressive records and earning accolades as one of the greatest distance runners in history.

Genzebe Dibaba Keneni is an Ethiopian middle- and long-distance runner known for her exceptional achievements in various competitions. She has won multiple medals at World Championships and Olympics, setting world records for indoor events like the one mile, 3,000m, and 5,000m. Genzebe has a successful career as a professional athlete, with numerous titles and accolades to her name, including being a five-time World Indoor champion and winning the Diamond League title in 2015.

Lelisa Desisa Benti is a retired Ethiopian long-distance runner known for his expertise in road running competitions. He made his mark in the international running scene by winning the gold medal in the 10,000 meters at the 2009 African Junior Athletics Championships. Throughout his career, Desisa showcased exceptional talent and determination, earning recognition for his achievements in various road races. His dedication to the sport and consistent performance solidified his reputation as a top athlete in the world of long-distance running.

Selemon Barega Shirtaga is an accomplished Ethiopian long-distance runner with numerous accolades to his name. He has secured gold, silver, and bronze medals at prestigious events like the Olympics and World Championships. Barega has also excelled in indoor competitions, earning both silver and gold medals at the World Indoor Championships. His impressive track record includes victories at the World Under-20 and World U18 Championships, showcasing his talent and determination on the global stage.

Ejegayehu Dibaba Keneni is an accomplished Ethiopian long-distance runner with a successful career in international athletics. She has achieved significant milestones in her sport, including winning medals at prestigious events such as the Olympics and World Championships. Known for her prowess in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters events, Ejegayehu has also secured gold medals at the Afro-Asian Games and All-Africa Games. Her dedication and talent have solidified her reputation as a top-tier athlete in the world of long-distance running.

Shura Kitata Tola is an accomplished Ethiopian long-distance runner specializing in the marathon and half-marathon events. He has showcased his talent in prestigious races such as the World Marathon Majors, achieving notable victories in events like the London Marathon, Rome Marathon, and Frankfurt Marathon. Kitata has demonstrated his competitive prowess by securing top finishes and podium placements in various high-profile races, including challenging and defeating renowned athletes like Eliud Kipchoge. His consistent performances highlight his status as a formidable force in the world of long-distance running.

Sileshi Sihine is a retired Ethiopian long-distance runner known for his impressive achievements in international competitions. Throughout his career, he secured several medals, including silver medals in the 10,000 meters at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as well as at the 2005 and 2007 World Championships. Additionally, he earned a bronze medal in 2003 and a silver medal in the 5,000 meters at the 2005 World Championships. Sileshi Sihine's professional life is marked by his remarkable success and contributions to the sport of long-distance running.

Guye Adola Idemo is an Ethiopian long-distance runner known for specializing in the half marathon. He began gaining recognition in 2014, winning the Marrakech Half Marathon and achieving notable placements in various races. Adola impressed on the international stage, winning medals at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships and other competitions. In his marathon debut at the 2017 Berlin Marathon, he finished second with an impressive time. Adola continued his success by winning the 2021 Berlin Marathon and participating in other prestigious events.

Mosinet Geremew is a highly accomplished Ethiopian middle-distance and long-distance runner with a successful career spanning several prestigious international events. He has excelled in various competitions, including cross country running, half marathons, and marathons. Mosinet has achieved remarkable victories, such as winning the Yangzhou Jianzhen International Half Marathon multiple times and setting course records. His notable performances include securing second place at the London Marathon and winning the Dubai Marathon with a course record time. Mosinet's consistent success and impressive race times have solidified his reputation as a top-tier athlete in the world of distance running.

Hagos Gebrhiwet Berhe is an accomplished Ethiopian long-distance runner known for his impressive career achievements. He previously held the World Junior Record in the 5,000 meters with a remarkable time of 12:47:53. Throughout his professional life, Hagos Gebrhiwet has showcased exceptional talent and dedication to the sport of running, earning recognition and admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike. His outstanding performances on the track have solidified his reputation as a top competitor in the world of long-distance running.

Sisay Lemma, an Ethiopian runner, began his professional career at the age of 17, running barefoot due to financial constraints. His determination and talent propelled him to victory in the 2021 London Marathon, where he finished just over 2 minutes ahead of his competitors. He also showcased his skills on the international stage by participating in the men's marathon event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Sisay's impressive performances have solidified his reputation as a formidable and inspiring athlete in the world of long-distance running.

Ibrahim Jeilan Gashu is an accomplished Ethiopian long-distance runner specializing in the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters, as well as cross country running. He gained recognition after winning silver at the 2005 World Youth Championships and continued his success by claiming titles at various prestigious events. Notably, he became a world champion in the 10,000 meters and secured victories at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Athletics. Despite facing ups and downs in his career, he remains dedicated and currently trains under coach Kiyoshi Akimoto in Saitama, Japan.

Alia Saeed Mohammed is a prominent long-distance runner representing the United Arab Emirates. She made the decision to switch her allegiance from Ethiopia to the UAE in 2010. Known for her remarkable achievements in the sport, she secured the gold medal in the 10,000 meters at both the 2014 Asian Games and the 2015 Asian Athletics Championships. Additionally, she attained the silver medal at the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships, showcasing her consistent excellence and competitive spirit in the field of long-distance running.

Alemu Bekele Gebre is an Ethiopian-born professional long-distance runner competing for Bahrain. Specializing in the 5000m and 10,000m events, he has achieved success in various competitions, including winning bronze at the 2011 Asian Athletics Championships and securing titles at the 2012 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships and 2013 Asian Athletics Championships. Known for his prowess in cross country racing, Alemu has claimed victories as the 2012 Asian champion and 2013 World Military champion, and has participated in the IAAF World Cross Country Championships multiple times.

Ababel Yeshaneh Birhane is an accomplished Ethiopian long-distance runner known for her success in track, road, and cross country events. She has represented her country in various international competitions, including the World Championships in Athletics and the Olympic Games. Ababel achieved worldwide recognition when she broke the world record in the half marathon in 2020. Her impressive marathon best time further solidifies her reputation as a top-tier athlete in the long-distance running community, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.

Haile Gebrselassie is a retired Ethiopian long-distance track and road running athlete, as well as a successful businessman. He achieved remarkable success in his athletic career, winning Olympic gold medals, World Championship titles, and setting numerous world records. Known for his versatility and dominance in distances ranging from 1,500 meters to the marathon, Haile earned the title of one of the greatest long-distance runners in history. His contributions to the sport earned him the nickname "Emperor of Distance Running."

Tirunesh Dibaba is an Ethiopian athlete known for her success in long-distance track events and road races. She has achieved remarkable feats, including winning multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medals. Tirunesh set a world record in the 5,000 meters and has a reputation as a dominant force in her sport, earning the nickname "baby-faced destroyer." Her accomplishments include being the youngest World Champion at the age of 18. Tirunesh hails from a family of Olympic medalists, further solidifying her legacy in athletics.

Abebe Bikila was an Ethiopian marathon runner and a back-to-back Olympic marathon champion. He was the first Ethiopian Olympic gold medalist, winning gold at the 1960 Summer Olympics while running barefoot. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, he defended his title, becoming the first athlete to do so in the Olympic marathon. Abebe was a pioneer in long-distance running, winning multiple races and setting world records. He continued competing even after being paralyzed in a car accident, participating in archery and table tennis at disabled sports events.

Mamo Wolde was an accomplished Ethiopian long distance runner known for his success in track, cross-country, and road running events. He gained international recognition by winning the marathon at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Throughout his professional career, Wolde demonstrated exceptional endurance and skill, setting records and inspiring aspiring athletes around the world. His dedication to the sport and his impressive achievements solidified his legacy as one of Ethiopia's most celebrated and respected long distance runners of his time.

Feyisa Lilesa is a renowned Oromo long-distance runner from Ethiopia, known for his impressive marathon performances. He achieved a personal best of 2:04:52 at the 2012 Chicago Marathon and won prestigious races such as the Dublin Marathon and Xiamen International Marathon. Lilesa's athletic career highlights include winning silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics marathon and earning bronze at the 2011 World Championships marathon. His courageous gesture of solidarity during the 2016 Olympics brought attention to the plight of the Oromo people in Ethiopia.

Gezahegne Abera is a former Ethiopian athlete who had a successful career in marathon running. He won the marathon race at the 2000 Summer Olympics and also claimed victory at the Fukuoka marathon multiple times. Gezahegne achieved a rare Olympics-World Championships marathon double in 2001. Despite facing repeated injuries that eventually ended his running career, he transitioned into owning a hotel and property development business with his wife, Elfenesh Alemu.

Tsegaye Kebede Wordofa is a highly accomplished Ethiopian long-distance runner known for his success in road running events, particularly marathons. He made a significant impact in the international running scene after his debut at the Amsterdam Marathon in 2007. Throughout his career, he has secured victories in prestigious races such as the Paris Marathon and the Fukuoka Marathon, as well as earning medals in major competitions like the Beijing Olympics and the World Championships. Kebede's impressive performances have solidified his reputation as one of Ethiopia's top athletes, with notable wins at the London Marathon and other World Marathon Majors.

Gete Wami Degife is an Ethiopian former long-distance runner known for her success in cross country, track, and road events. She competed at a high level in various distances and terrains, showcasing her exceptional endurance and speed. Wami's professional career was marked by numerous achievements, including victories in prestigious races and strong performances in international competitions. She was highly respected in the running community for her talent, dedication, and sportsmanship, leaving a lasting legacy as one of Ethiopia's finest athletes.

Belayneh Densamo is an Ethiopian retired athlete known for his expertise in long-distance running. He achieved global recognition by holding the marathon world record for an impressive 10-year period from 1988 to 1998. Throughout his career, Densamo proudly represented Ethiopia in various prestigious competitions, notably the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics. His remarkable achievements and dedication to the sport have solidified his legacy as one of the most accomplished and respected long-distance runners in the history of athletics.

Fatuma Roba is a renowned Ethiopian long-distance runner who made history by becoming the first African woman to win a gold medal in the women's Olympic marathon at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. She is also celebrated for her impressive accomplishment of winning three consecutive Boston Marathons. Roba's professional career is marked by her exceptional endurance, determination, and success in international marathon competitions, solidifying her status as one of the most accomplished female long-distance runners in African sports history.

Deriba Merga Ejigu is a prominent Ethiopian long-distance runner specializing in the marathon. He achieved notable success in the sport, finishing fourth in the marathon event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and winning the prestigious Boston Marathon the following year. With a personal best time of 2:06:38 hours, he established himself as a formidable competitor in the marathon distance. Additionally, Merga excelled in half marathon races, securing victories at events like the 2006 Paris Half Marathon and earning a gold medal at the 2007 All-Africa Games.

Tesfaye Tola is an accomplished long-distance runner from Ethiopia, known for his success in marathons and cross country events. He won bronze in the marathon at the 2000 Summer Olympics and finished fourth in the same event at the 2001 World Championships. Tola's victory at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in 1998 showcased his talent and versatility as a runner. He continued to compete at a high level, participating in events like the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan, solidifying his reputation as a strong and dedicated athlete.

Elfenesh Alemu is a long-distance runner from Ethiopia who has achieved success on both national and international stages. She represented Ethiopia in the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics in the marathon event. Alemu won the 2003 Tokyo International Marathon and the Nagano Marathon in 2000. Her professional career as a runner began in 1993, showcasing her dedication and longevity in the sport. Additionally, she is married to Gezahegne Abera, who won the 2000 Olympic men's marathon, demonstrating a shared passion for running in their relationship.