Tsegaye Getachew is set to defend his title at the 50th anniversary of the TCS Amsterdam Marathon on Sunday, October 19. He faces a competitive field, including two-time Olympic gold medalist Joshua Cheptegei. This year’s race promises excitement, as a new women’s champion will be crowned.
Men’s Race: Getachew’s Challenge Against Cheptegei
Getachew, who recorded his personal best of 2:04:49 during the 2022 event, returned to Amsterdam in 2023, finishing with a time of 2:05:38. The 28-year-old Ethiopian has not competed since then, raising questions about his current form. To secure a third victory, he must fend off formidable opponents such as:
- Joshua Cheptegei (UGA) – A three-time world champion in the 10,000m, Cheptegei has only completed two marathons, with a personal best of 2:05:59.
- Gabriel Geay (TAN) – The fastest man in the field, Geay’s record stands at 2:03:00 from a second-place finish in Valencia.
- Getaneh Molla (ETH) – With a PB of 2:03:34 established in his 2019 debut, Molla is showing good momentum after recent successes.
Joining this elite group are Bute Gemechu, a Dubai Marathon winner, and other distinguished Ethiopian runners, including Andualem Shiferaw, Muktar Edris, and Bazezew Asmare. The absence of Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, who withdrew due to injury, leaves the course record of 2:03:39 from 2021 ripe for challenge.
Women’s Race: A New Champion Awaits
The women’s field presents a strong Ethiopian contingent, with past successes in Amsterdam setting the stage for a thrilling competition. Notable contenders include:
- Lonah Salpeter (ISR) – The fastest in the field, Salpeter holds an Israeli record of 2:17:45 and aims for redemption after a challenging World Championships.
- Tiruye Mesfin (ETH) – With a personal best of 2:18:35 attained last year, Mesfin is among the top competitors.
- Bosena Mulate (ETH) – Recently finishing third in Berlin, she has clocked a PB of 2:19:00.
Other strong Ethiopian contenders include Zeineba Yimer, Yebrugual Melese, and Waganesh Mekasha, all of whom have displayed exceptional performances and personal records below 2:20. The race is likely to welcome a new name into the ranks of champions.
Conclusion
The TCS Amsterdam Marathon stands out as a significant event in the athletics calendar. With strong male and female contenders, it promises to be an exhilarating race. El-Balad will cover the event, providing updates on the anticipated showdown between Getachew and Cheptegei, along with the keenly contested women’s race.
