The 2025 Mumbai Marathon featured Eritrean Berhane Tesfay winning the men’s elite title in 2:11:44, followed closely by compatriot Merhawi Kesete. In the women’s race, Kenya’s Joyce Chepkemoi Tele claimed victory. Indian runners showed strong performances, with Anish Thapa leading several athletes under 2:20. The event highlighted intense competition and significant achievements amid challenging conditions.
The 2025 Mumbai Marathon witnessed a significant victory for Eritrea, with Berhane Tesfay securing first place at a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 44 seconds. His compatriot, Merhawi Kesete, finished a close second in 2:11:50, while Ethiopia’s Tesfaye Demeke placed third with a time of 2:11:56. Tesfay and Kesete both demonstrated remarkable skill and endurance, outperforming younger competitors, and representing their nation well, as they achieved first and second place, respectively.
Eritrea’s Tesfay, 38, is notable not only for his victory but for realizing his Olympic marathon qualification at the later age of 36. His performance in Mumbai set him apart, with impressive pacing and strategic running despite the challenging heat. The close finish saw Tesfay narrowly defeat Kesete by just six seconds, showcasing the competitive spirit between the two athletes.
Kenyan runner Joyce Chepkemoi Tele won the women’s category in 2:24:56, defeating Bahrain’s Shitaye Eshete and Medina Deme Armino of Ethiopia. Indian participants, led by Anish Thapa, performed commendably, finishing with times under 2:20, but lagged behind the leaders by several minutes. Overall, 11 Indian participants completed the race in under 2:30, with only three finishing under 2:20.
The half marathon saw Sawan Barwal emerging as the male champion, clocking an impressive 1:04:37. Meanwhile, Stanzin Dolkar topped the women’s half marathon category at 1:25:51. The overall competition was fierce, as several strong Ethiopian and Kenyan contenders had aimed for victory, yet it was the seasoned Eritreans who ultimately triumphed.
The race unfolds against a backdrop of intense competition, with the prize pool totaling $389,524, offering substantial rewards for the victors. Notably, Tesfay’s accomplishment is even more remarkable given the competition he faced from renowned Ethiopian runners, positioning him as a surprise champion in this prestigious event.
Marathon running has a rich history, often showcasing elite athletes from countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya. The Mumbai Marathon, as part of this tradition, attracts top contenders and is known for its challenging course and varying weather conditions. Eritrea has been gaining recognition in long-distance running since its independence in 1993, with athletes like Tesfay and Kesete demonstrating formidable skill and endurance against more established rivals in the sport.
In summary, the 2025 Mumbai Marathon highlighted the exceptional performance of Eritrean runners, particularly Berhane Tesfay, who won the race in a thrilling finish. The event showcased a competitive field with Ethiopian and Kenyan athletes, but ultimately, the Eritreans claimed the top two spots. Additionally, notable performances from Indian athletes further enriched the race, contributing to an exciting and memorable marathon experience.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
