- Ezra Kipketer Tanui was the only Kenyan runner who finished inside the top three positions in the men’s and women’s categories.
- Ethlemahu Sintayehu led her Ethiopian fellow women to a clean podium sweep.
- Former Chelsea and Arsenal attacker Nicholas Anelka was among the participants who took part in this year’s edition.
Kenyan road race runner Ezra Kipketer Tanui produced a remarkable display to clinch the prestigious 2025 Doha Marathon title at the expense of Ethiopian athletes on Friday morning in Qatar.
Tanui, who finished fourth in the 2024 edition, overpowered his Ethiopian opponents to win the race that was staged on Friday morning.
He turned on the gears in the final kilometres of the race and went on to cut the tape in a time of 2:07:28.
Tanui’s performance prevented Ethiopian runners from sweeping the podium clean in both the men’s and women’s categories.
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The 27-year-old was followed by Balew Yihunle and Mitku Tafa, who clocked 2:07:36 and 2:07:38 respectively.
The fourth and fifth positions went to Dinkalem Ayele (2:07:52), who also hails from Ethiopia, and Kenya’s Nicholas Kirwa (2:08:02).
Meanwhile, former Arsenal and Chelsea forward Nicholas Anelka was among the participants who braved the chilly morning to take part in the event.
Tanui dedicates victory to his coach and manager
Speaking after the triumph, an excited Tanui dedicated the win to his coach and manager, who did everything possible to ensure he prepared well for the race.
“I am happy today for winning the Doha Marathon, 42 kilometers. This is my first time to win this race. Last year, I was in position four. The weather last year was so hot, so today, it was good. It was cold and the course was good.
I want to congratulate my coach, and manager because they gave me good workouts that helped me to win this race today. I focused a lot on training, so I am very happy,” commented Tanui.
Ethiopians dominates the women category
Elsewhere, Ethiopian women had an excellent outing in the streets of Qatar’s capital City as they took all the top five positions.
The first position went to former steeplechase runner Ethlemahu Sintayehu, who ran a tactical race, to clock a lifetime best of 2:21:42.
Sintayehu was followed by Muluhabt Tsega (2:22:17), Zinah Senbeta (2:22:33), Aminet Ahmed (2:23:27) and Sintayehu Tilahun (2:24:54).
2025 Doha Marathon top performers
Men’s category
- Ezra Kipketer Tanui: 2:07:27 (Kenya)
- Balew Yihunle: 2:07:36 (Ethiopia)
- Mitku Tafa: 2:07:38 (Ethiopia)
Women’s category
- Ethlemahu Sintayehu: 2:21:42 (Ethiopia)
- Muluhabt Tsega: 2:22:17 (Ethiopia)
- Zinah Senbeta: 2:22:33 (Ethiopia)
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