Ethiopians show class

Ethiopians Tereta Debela and Ayele Gedamu Gebeyawesh stole the show last Saturday as they beat off a strong Ghanaian challenge to win the maiden Millennuim Marathon, taking possession of the keys to two Peugeot Salon cars at stake.

On an occasion which had Ethiopian long distance legend Haile Gebrselassie as Independence the special guest, it was perhaps fitting that his compatriots showed class in a 21km competition, which was started by President John Dramani Mahama at the Indepdencence Square, and featured some other international runners, including Kenyans and Colombians.

Debela paced himself behind his Ghanaian challenger, William Arkuka, who had led the race until the Ethiopian overtook him and increased the pace to claim the first prize ahead of Arkuka and Kenyan George Waiyaki Njoroge.

Ayele Gebeyawesh, whose country is known for its dominance in long distance races, crossed the finish line first to win the women’s event ahead of Ghana’s marathon queen Millicent Boadi and Colombian Martha Rosaria.

The winners podium for both events had a truly international representation featuring men’s winner Debela of Kenya, and runners-up Arkuka of Ghana and Njoroge of Kenya, who took home $3,500 and $1,500 respectively. The women’s podium had winner Ayele of Ethiopia, and runners-up. Millicent of Ghana and Martha of Colombia, who received $3,500 and $1,500 respectively as their prizes.

Victorious Debela told the Graphic Sports after the race that his experience gained from participating in other marathons in Turkey, Nigeria and Germany gave him the strongest conviction he was one of the favourites for the race.

He could not hide his joy after the keys to his car were handed over to him and said he looked forward to returning next year to face the challenge in the competition.