Ethiopian Athlete Gotytom Gebreslase Wins Women’s World Marathon Title

Ethiopian Gotytom Gebreslase survived a two-way battle with Kenyan Judith Korir to win the women’s marathon title in a world championship-record time on Monday, at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, USA.

Gebreslase broke away with about two kilometres to go and never gave Korir a chance down the final stretch to cross the finish line in two hours, 18 minutes and 11 seconds (2:18:11), smashing Briton Paula Radcliffe’s previous mark of 2:20:57 set in 2005.

Kenyan Judith Korir finished second, while Israeli Lonah Salpeter claimed the third spot.

“I am very happy and I want to give all the glory to God,” said Gebreslase, who picked up the first major title of her career in Berlin last year.

“The Kenyan runner asked me to pass her but I stayed patient. Towards 40km, I felt strong and decided to leave.”

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It was Ethiopia’s second marathon triumph in Eugene, Oregon after Tamirat Tola won the men’s title in another championship record 2:05:36.

“Tola’s win yesterday motivated me a lot today,” said Gebreslase.

The marathon belongs to Ethiopia! 🇪🇹

Gotytom Gebreslase is the world marathon champion!

She breaks the #WorldAthleticsChamps championship record clocking 2:18:11 to win 🥇 – much to the delight of the roaring crowds in Eugene! pic.twitter.com/fSttst3KX6

— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) July 18, 2022

The field produced a speedy start at 6.15 am local time, benefiting from sunny conditions, with temperatures hovering above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10C).

Israeli Lonah Salpeter seized a chance to secure third spot on the podium after Ethiopian Ababel Yeshaneh fell off the leading pack and dropped out with less than 10 km to go. Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich, who won three years ago, dropped out at around the 18-kilometre mark due to stomach issues.

Chidi Nwoke/Reuters/World Athletics.