Above: “Despite his best efforts the 28 year old Merga fell
short running a course record of 27:23.9 in an incredible
solo effort. He earned himself USUS$5,000 “gender bonus”
for closing down the four minute twelve seconds head start
given to the women elite racers as well as US$2,000 for a
new course record.” – IAAF (Photo -Victah Sailer).

IAAF
Ottawa, Canada – Could Ethiopia’s Deriba Merga break the World 10k record just a month after winning the 2009 Boston Marathon? “That’s the $100,000 question,” said his agent Hussein Makke referring to the bonus money on offer for beating Micah Kogo’s pending record time of 27:01 at the MDS Nordion 10km in Ottawa. Ottawa, Canada – Could Ethiopia’s Deriba Merga break the World 10k record just a month after winning the 2009 Boston Marathon? “That’s the $100,000 question,” said his agent Hussein Makke referring to the bonus money on offer for beating Micah Kogo’s pending record time of 27:01 at the MDS Nordion 10km in Ottawa. The event – an IAAF Silver Label Road Race – started at 6:30 p.m. with large crowds turning out in sunny 20 degree temperatures to learn the answer. Read more.

Related: Congratulations Deriba Merga from Ethiopian Airlines Journeys
Source: Ethiopian Airlines Journeys

Washington, D.C. – April 20, 2009 — Ethiopian Airlines Journeys would like to be the first to congratulate Deriba Merga on winning the Boston Marathon.

Ethiopian Olympian, Deriba Merga, won his first Boston Marathon with a time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 42 seconds. The Ethiopian finished almost a minute ahead of Kenyan Daniel Rono.

Merga, who finished in 4th place in the Beijing Olympics, finished first among the more than 26,000 participants in Boston. Regarded as the third-fastest Ethiopian marathoner of all time, Merga now joins the famous list of Ethiopians that have won the Boston Marathon including Hailu Negussie and Abebe Mekonnen.

Merga was born in Nekemt and trains with the Ethiopian squad in Addis Ababa. Merga’s mentor is world record holder and beloved Ethiopian runner, Haile Gebrselassie.

Fellow native Ethiopian runner and former Boston Marathon champion, Dire Tune, finished second in the closest Women’s final ever. Her time of 2 hours, 32 minutes, and 17 seconds fell one second short of Kenyan, Salina Kosgei.

“Ethiopia takes great pride in their marathon runners,” said Marian Wargo, Director of Sales for Ethiopian Airlines Journeys and a native New Englander. “The athleticism and training commitment of these runners is truly amazing.”

Americans who wish to visit the fascinating homeland of these world-famous runners need look no further than Ethiopian Airlines Journeys. Whether it’s visiting the captivating history of the Northern route or experiencing the indigenous tribal cultures of the Southern route, Ethiopian Airlines Journeys crafts customized vacations to meet all needs. This month’s featured package is an Archaeological Adventure of Ethiopia with a chance to discover “The Ark of the Covenant.”

About Ethiopian Airlines Journeys
The finest vacation experiences in Ethiopia and East Africa begin with Ethiopian Airlines Journeys. Ethiopian Airlines Journeys is a single-source solution to plan and realize a truly authentic vacation in one of the most exciting and historical regions of Africa. The company provides the very best service, from friendly expert guides to comfortable accommodations to delightful meals to the most fascinating African experiences. This is all provided with total customization, built around each traveler’s preferences and interests. Call toll-free 1-866-599-3797 or visit www.seeyouinethiopia.com for more information.

About Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines is one of the largest airlines in Africa serving 53 destinations around the globe. As the winner of the 2007 African Business of the Year and Best African Airline Award for 2006, its service and quality are unparalleled among African airlines. Featuring five flights weekly from Washington D.C.’s Dulles International Airport, the airline offers both morning and evening departures, with the morning departure allowing seamless connections to 32 African destinations. The airline’s web site provides excellent information on additional flights, services and special web fares. For more information about Ethiopian Airlines, visit www.ethiopianairlines.com.