Top Ethiopian runners could set new Rotterdam Marathon record

Three top Ethiopian athletes have been confirmed for the Rotterdam Marathon on Sunday, April 12, and organizers expect them to challenge Belgian two-time winner Bashir Abdi. “A course record is within reach,” says race director Marc Corstjens. Abdi, who holds the current record of 2:03:36, was previously confirmed as a participant.

Birhanu Legese is considered the fastest on paper, having clocked 2:02:48 at the 2019 Berlin Marathon. Haymanot Alew (2:03:31) and Guye Idemo Adola (2:03:46) also boast competitive personal bests.

Abdi claimed victory at the Rotterdam Marathon in both 2021 and 2023. His 2:03:36 finish also stands as the European record.

“We’ve put together an excellent, tightly packed field featuring top names,” sporting manager Michel Butter said. “The competition is strong among both men and women. I’m looking forward to a thrilling race where the leaders stay close and deliver outstanding times.”

Kenyan Jackline Cherono, the defending women’s champion, is set to race again this year. In last year’s marathon, she stayed far ahead of the 2012 course record pace of Ethiopian Tiki Gelana (2:18:58) for most of the race, only to falter in the closing kilometers.

Shitaye Eshete of Bahrain has also been added to the women’s field, boasting the fastest time at 2:20:32. She is followed closely by Ethiopian Meskerem Asefa (2:20:36) and Eritrean Dolshi Tesfu (2:20:40).