New York (TADIAS) – Firehiwot Dado and Buzunesh Deba were greeted like homecoming queens with cheers and applause as they arrived for dinner at the Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant in Manhattan on Sunday evening, following their stunning victory at the 2011 ING New York City Marathon.
Firehiwot Dado, 27, won her debut NYC Marathon in 2:23:15, followed by her childhood friend, New Yorker Buzunesh Deba, four seconds later. It was one of the closest women’s finish in the race history.
“This is my first time coming to New York,” Firehiwot said. “It’s one of the top five [international] competitions. That I won prepares me and gives me hope for the next Olympics.” She added: “My goal is to win gold at the Olympics.”
The New York media had shown up at the midtown eatery after learning that the local hero would be dining there. Buzunesh Deba was visibly emotional as fans, friends, and strangers waited for a chance to hug and kiss her.
Buzunesh, 24, who led Firehiwot until the two overtook Mary Keitany of Kenya, said running in her Bronx neighborhood had inspired her to pick up the pace and added that she was pleased with the result because “my friend won.”
“We lived in the same town, and ran on the same team,” Buzunesh told Tadias earlier in the day.
“I want to thank the people of New York and the people of my country and everyone that supported us,” Buzunesh said. “Frehiwot and I showed good competition and with God’s grace we were victorious.”
Watch: Homecoming Reception For New York Marathon Winners at Queen of Sheba Restaurant
Watch: Firehiwot Dado & Buzunesh Deba take the top-two spots at 2011 NYC Marathon
A First, a Second, a Third and a Fourth: Ethiopia Leaves Its Imprint on NYC Marathon
New York (TADIAS) – The last was first, and the local hero finished second, as Ethiopian women ran 1-2 in dominating the female division of the 42nd ING New York City Marathon.
Ethiopian men finished third and fourth overall, and three placed in the top 10, on a crisp, sunny autumn morning that produced a course record 2:05:06 by Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya.
Tsegaye Kebede (2010 London Marathon winner) was third in 2:07:14 and defending champion Gebre Gebremariam this time was fourth in 2:08:00, with Emmanuel Mutai, no relation to the winner, the runner-up in 2:06:28. Ezkyas Sisay, who helped set the pace over more than the first half of the course, finished ninth in 2:11:04.
On the women’s side Firehiwot Dado, 27, who runs for the Ethiopian Federal Prisons Club, won her debut New York City Marathon in 2:23:15, finishing four seconds ahead of a closing Buzunesh Deba.
Deba currently lives in the Bronx — where she began a surge that led to her and Dado overtaking Kenyan Mary Keitany in the final mile of the 26.2-mile course through the five boroughs.
Keitany had started fast and built a lead of up to two minutes before fading. Deba and Dado picked up their pace about Mile 19, and caught the Keitany shortly after Mile 24 before passing her a mile later on Central Park South.
Dado, who won the Rome Marathon in 2009, 2010 and 2011, was a late entrant in New York.
“She definitely was the last woman we entered in the race,” said David Monti of the NYRR, the race organizer. He said Dado’s entry was not finalized until Oct. 9.
Sam Grotewold, also of the NYRR, added Dado’s victory was ” an upset, that’s for sure.”
At the post-race news conference Dado said, “I am very happy. It was a very good race. It was a tough race, and I didn’t expect this result. But I am very happy to have won New York.”
Coach Haji Adilo said he arranged for Dado to run New York because he knew she would be competitive after training in and around Addis Ababa last summer with Mamitu Daska, who won last month’s Frankfurt Marathon in 2:21:59.
“I expected Mary Keitany to win, and after seeing her start I didn’t think anyone was going to catch her,” said Adilo. “But when she began to slow down, I knew Firehiwot could win because she has a strong kick. When she won in Rome (2:24:13), her last half was 1:11.”
Dado told reporters she began running in secondary school, and credited Adilo for having “encouraged me and pushed me to start the marathon” distance because previously “I had no intention of doing that.”
(Photo: Firehiwot Dado & Buzunesh Deba hug after their NYC Marathon victory – Getty Images)
Deba, who led Dado until they overtook Keitany, said running into the Bronx had inspired her to pick up the pace and added she was pleased with the result because “my friend won.”
“We lived in the same town, and ran on the same team,” Deba said. “It was my dream to win, but maybe next year.”
Worku Beyi, Deba’s husband and coach, made this assessment as he displayed a slight gap between a thumb and finger: “She made a small mistake. She will correct it.”
Deba said running along a familiar route that included portions of Central Park over which she regularly trains helped yesterday, but stated in addition to Dado and Keitany she had to fight off cramps under her ribs in the final miles.
“I thank God that He gave me power, and thank you, New York Road Runners, and thank you the New York people, all of them,” she added. “They supported me. They cheered me. They called my name. I am so happy. It was hard. It was a tough race, and I finished second in place, so I’m so happy.”
The New York City Marathon captivated Ethiopians throughout the city — particularly the professional running community.
Abiyot Endale followed the race by video stream on the Internet, texts and phone conversations as he returned from Camden, NJ, where that morning he won the Cooper Norcross Bridge Run 10K in 30:05.
“Oh my God,” he said as Deba and Dado began to overtake Keitany. “Buzunesh has a chance to win the New York City Marathon!
“I know both of them,” he added. “We were on the same team. I don’t know which I want to win. ”
Firehiwot Dado and Buzunesh Deba, 1-2 in New York. (Getty Images)
Firehiwot Dado and her Coach Haji Adilo after the post-race news conference. (Photo by Jason Jett for Tadias Magazine)
Buzunesh Deba and Worku Beyi speak with the press after the race. (Photo by Jason Jett for Tadias Magazine)
Firehiwot Dado after the post-race news conference. (Jason Jett for Tadias Magazine)
Geoffrey Mutai tells news media he does not want to give himself a title, that it is up to them. (TADIAS)
Meb Keflezighi, the highest finishing American man, was sixth with a personal best of 2:09:13. (TADIAS)
Six Ethiopian women were among the Top 20 finishers. Trailing Dado and Deba were Misiker Mekonnin Demissie (11th, 2:31:40), Werknesh Kidane (14th, 2:33:08), Serkalem Biset Abrha (15th, 2:33:22) and Aziza Aliyu (17th, 2:38:33).
Dado earned a check of $180,000, including a $50,000 time bonus, for her victory. Deba received $65,000, plus a similar time bonus.
Kebede was awarded $40,000 and Gebremariam $25,000, both with time bonuses of $50,000 to $40,000.
During the post-race news conference male bronze-medalist Kebede was asked to comment on the late Sammy Wanjiru, with whom he battled at the 2010 Chicago Marathon. The question was an emotional one for Kebede.
“It’s true last year, Chicago, we had a very stiff competition,” he said. “I tried very hard to win, and at the end I wasn’t able to beat him, and he won. I actually prefer not to think or talk a great deal about him, because when I think about how he passed away, it really disturbs me and it makes me very sad.”
Mutai, who won the 2011 Boston Marathon in the fastest-ever marathon time of 2:03:02, is being given Wanjiru’s former crown as “world’s greatest marathoner” by many experts.
Asked what title he would give himself after the news conference, Mutai said, “It is not for me to give myself a name. You decide what to call me.”
Mutai became the first runner to set course records in winning both the New York and Boston marathons in the same year.
Watch: Firehiwot Dado & Buzunesh Deba Take Top-Two Spots at 2011 NYC Marathon
Above:Ethiopia’s Gebre Gebremariam finished runner-up at
inaugural B.A.A. 10K race held in Boston on Sunday, June 26.
Tadias Magazine
Sports News
Updated: Sunday, June 26, 2011
New York (Tadias) – Defending Boston Marathon champion Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya won the inaugural B.A.A. 10K on Sunday morning in Boston, finishing the race in 27 minutes, 19 seconds.
The 29-year-old Kenyan bolted to the front after half-way, leaving Ethiopian Gebre Gebremariam and the rest of the pack behind.
Gebre Gebremariam, the reigning New York City marathon men’s champion, came in second.
Boston Marathon runner-up Moses Mosop of Kenya finished third.
In April, Mutai won the Boston Marathon in 2:03.02, the fastest marathon ever recorded.
Gebre Gebremariam, who is also scheduled to represent Ethiopia at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, in late August, finished the B.A.A. 10K race in 28:11.
On the women’s category, Caroline Kilel of Kenya finished first, while Kim Smith of New Zealand came in second. Misiker Demissie of Ethiopia was third.
2011 Boston inaugural B.A.A. 10K winners Geoffrey Mutai and Carolyn Kilel. (The Runners Vibe.com)
Below are the results from Sunday’s inaugural B.A.A. 10K competition held in Boston.
—- Cover Image: Gebre Gebremariam at a victory dinner on Monday, November 8, 2010 at Queen of Sheba Restaurant in Manhattan following his surprise win at the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 07, 2010. (Photo by Marie Claire Andrea for Tadias Magazine)
Above:Ezkyas Sisay (L), and Gebre Gebremariam (R) head
the field rounding a curve in Central Park early into the 2011
New York City Half Marathon – Photo credit: OhSnapper.com.
Tadias Magazine
By Jason Jett
Published: Wednesday, March 23, 2011
New York (Tadias) – Just as sure as March in North America brings the return of foliage, warm weather and long days, it signals the continuation of Ethiopian domination of foot-race competitions in city streets and parks across the United States.
The fickleness of spring, however, did prompt a number of “what ifs” from runners on both coasts last weekend.
Gebre Gebremariam, who last November won the ING New York City Marathon, was runner-up Sunday in the New York City Half Marathon which looped Central Park before coursing through Times Square and finishing in Lower Manhattan.
Gebremariam, a favorite to win the race, pulled away from Mo Farah, a native Somali who now lives in Great Britain, in the last 25 meters only for Farah to counter with a victorious sprint to the finish line. Farah finished the 13.1-mile event in 60:23, with Gebremariam two seconds back.
“I don’t like the cold,” Gebremariam said after the narrow loss to Farah, one of the hottest runners in the world the past year who was making his half-marathon debut.
Girma Tesfaye, an Ethiopian who splits residency between his homeland and the Bronx, NY, finished fourth in 60:35, and Ezkyas Sisay, an Ethiopian who trains in Flagstaff, AZ, was 10th in 61:56. Girma Tola, who was fifth in the 2008 competition, finished 14th this time in 62:46.
The only Ethiopian runner who said he did not mind the cold weather was Girma, who after the race chastised himself for not finding the reserve in the homestretch to overtake third-place finisher Galen Rupp of the United States.
“For me, the weather was very nice,” Girma said, noting a year ago he finished 10th at the event. “I like it cold. It was fantastic for me. The weather, and the course.”
From left: Ezkyas Sisay and Tesfaye Girma, both of Ethiopia, Gomes Dos Santos Marilson of Brazil, Alistair Cragg of Ireland, Galen Rupp of the United States, Mo Farah of Great Britain, Kigen Kipkosgei Moses of Kenya and Gebre Gebremariam of Ethiopia, near Mile 2 in Central Park during the New York City Half Marathon – which took place on a perfect day for running, March 20, 2011. (Photo credit: OhSnapper.com)
Ethiopians also represented in the women’s division of the NYC Half. Werknesh Kidane, Gebremariam’s wife and a pre-race favorite, finished fifth in 1:09:32, acknowledging afterwards that she was slowed as the first morning of spring mustered temperatures only in the 30s. Shewarge Alene, the sister of noted Ethiopian runner Alene Reta, was fourth in 1:09:25.
“It was good, but not very good because of the weather,” said Alene. “I am happy with the time in my first half-marathon in New York. I will keep training and keep trying to do my best.”
Gebremariam’s second-place finish was worth $10,000, while Girma earned $3,500 and Sisay $400. Alene was awarded $3,500, and Kidane $2,500.
Across the country in a rain-deluged Southern California, Ethiopians swept the Honda Los Angeles Marathon.
Markos Geneti, who trains in Flagstaff, AZ, was the overall winner in a course record 2:06:35. He won the first-place award of $25,000 and a Honda Insight EX car valued at $23,000, plus the $100,000 prize for the first person to cross the finish line under a gender challenge in which professional women were given a 17:03 head start.
The women’s division winner was Buzunesh Deba, who lives in the Bronx and trains in New Mexico, in 2:26:34. The bronze medal for third-place was claimed by Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia in 2:30:35. Deba won $25,000 and a car, while Dibaba won $10,000.
“I didn’t like the rain,” Deba said afterwards. “My husband (Ethiopian runner Worku Beyi) wanted me to run 2:24, but I don’t like running in the rain.”
At the Yeungling Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach, VA, Alemtsehay Misganaw of Manhattan was runner-up Sunday in the half marathon, finishing the windy, waterfront course in 1:15:06. A day earlier Misganaw won the women’s division of the event’s 8K competition in 26:59. Misganaw’s weekend earnings totaled $2,000.
“It was funny,” Misganaw said of her runner-up finish in the feature event, adding she did not know whether to laugh or cry.
“The last two miles I was taking it kind of easy and a lady passed me, but I didn’t see her,” she explained. “It was windy, and my eyes were watery. She looked like a boy, and had on a cap. The race official leading the women’s field was riding his bike beside me the whole way. He didn’t see her either. He thought I was the first woman, too.
Misganaw continued, “At the finish line the announcer said, ‘Yesterday’s winner is second today,’ and I said ‘What?’ The bicycle guy was upset too, and apologized. I smiled, but wanted to cry. I told the winner, ‘You’re lucky,’ and she said, ‘I know.'”
—
About the Author: Jason Jett is a New York based freelance journalist. He writes on human interest stories as well as specialized reports for niche audiences on various subjects including sports and fitness. He has worked in the news business for thirty years.
Watch: 2011 New York City Half Marathon- Highlight Video (NYRR)
Above:Ethiopia’s Gebre Gebremariam poses for Tadias.com
at Queen of Sheba restaurant on Monday, November 8, 2010.
Tadias Magazine
Events News
Photos by Marie Claire Andrea
Published: Friday, November 12, 2010
New York (Tadias) – Gebre Gebremariam, last Sunday’s surprise winner of the New York City Marathon, was treated to a victory dinner on Monday night at Queen of Sheba – the popular Ethiopian restaurant located in Midtown Manhattan.
Gebremariam gave Ethiopians something to cheer about after the highly anticipated appearance by Haile Gebrselassie ended in mid-course due to injury, forcing the legendary runner to prematurely announce his retirement. He has since changed his mind about the retirement decision. Haile was also a no-show on Monday evening in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where he was the scheduled speaker at Girls Got To Run Foundation’s fundraiser. (Click here for Tadias TV’s coverage of this event)
Below are exclusive images from Gebre Gebremariam’s victory dinner at Queen of Sheba restaurant on Monday, November 8, 2010.
Gebre Gebremariam at Queen of Sheba restaurant, Nov 8.
Victory dinner for Gebre Gebremariam at Queen of Sheba in Manhattan.
Philipos Mengistu, owner of Queen of Sheba, opens the Champagne.
Cheers for Gebre Gebremariam – Winner of the 2010 New York City Marathon
Gebre Gebremariam poses with Queen of Sheba staff. (November 8, 2010)
Above:Haile Gebrselassie (L) and Derartu Tulu will represent
Ethiopia at New York City Marathon on Sunday November 7th.
Tadias Magazine
Events News
Updated: Saturday, November 6, 2010
Special Note:
Ethiopian fans plan to gather at Columbus Circle, which has bleachers set up for spectators and a special stage sponsored by Continental Airlines to provide inspiration for the final .2 miles.
You can take the 1, D, or A train to 59th (8th avenue).
Haile and Derartu Expected to Take Charge at NYC Marathon
Published: Tuesday, November 2, 2010
New York (Tadias) – Long-distance running legends Haile Gebrselassie and Derartu Tulu are widely expected to lead the charge in their respective categories at Sunday’s New York City Marathon.
Gebrselassie, who has more than 130 major-race victories under his belt and is the current world record-holder, will run the New York City Marathon for the first time. Although questions have been raised about the possibility that the double Olympic 10,000-meter gold medalist may not be able to conquer the difficult New York City Marathon route in world record time, his agent says he remains motivated and optimistic. “We have to be realistic; we know there are not that many opportunities left,” Jos Hermens of the Netherlands told The New York Times. “But in his mind, he is so competitive, he feels he can run half a minute or a minute faster in ideal conditions and in good health.” Gebrselassie will be joined by fellow Ethiopian Gebre Gebremariam and the professional men’s defending champion Meb Keflezighi of the United States, among others.
In the pro women’s field, two-time Olympic 10,000m champion Derartu Tulu, the first Ethiopian woman to win the New York City Marathon, will defend her title while leading a pack of other women from her country. Other participating Ethiopian female athletes include the 2010 Boston Marathon champion Teyba Erkesso, Werknesh Kidane, and Bronx resident Buzunesh Deba. Derartu also faces tough competition from American Shalane Flanagan, the 2008 Beijing Olympic bronze medalist, and Mary Keitany of Kenya, the 2009 World Half Marathon champion – both making their marathon debut – as well as from experienced marathoners like Ludmila Petrova and Inga Abitova of Russia.
—
2010 Abebe Bikila Award Goes To Paul Tergat of Kenya
Meanwhile, one of Haile Gebrselassie’s professional rivals, Paul Tergat of Kenya – considered to be one of the most accomplished long-distance runners of all time – will receive the 2010 Abebe Bikila award for his contributions to distance running. Tergat, who retired in 2009, will be honored at a ceremony preceding the Continental Airlines International Friendship Run on Saturday, November 6, also here in New York City.
The New York Times highlights the long and friendly competition between the Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes: “Their rivalry has been one of the richest in running history and symbolizes the development of distance running by Ethiopia (Gebrselassie) and Kenya (Tergat). Over the course of a decade, Gebrselassie, 37, and Tergat, 41, ruled the distance running world,” NYT notes. “From 1996 to 2000 Gebrselassie won titles in the 10,000 meters at the world championship and Olympic Games. Tergat finished second each time. Gebrselassie set the 10,000 world record (26 minutes 43.53 seconds) in 1995 until Tergat broke the record (26:27.85) in 1997. Gebrselassie reclaimed the record (26:22.75) in 1998, now held by Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele (26:17.53).”
The annual prize , named after Ethiopian legend and double Olympic marathon winner Abebe Bikila, has been awarded to athletes since 1978, and it honors individuals who have made a significant contribution to the sport of long-distance running. Per Wiki: “Past winners of the award include: Olympic gold medallists Frank Shorter, Rosa Mota and Lasse Virén; world record breakers Paula Radcliffe, Khalid Khannouchi and Paul Tergat; and multiple major marathon winners Grete Waitz, Alberto Salazar and Joan Samuelson. While the award has typically been associated with elite level runners, particularly marathon runners, it has also been given to non-athletes. Fred Lebow – creator of the New York Marathon – became the first person to win the award who was not a professional athlete in 1995. The 2001 award was given to Mayor of New York Rudy Guiliani on the basis of his dedication to the city in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. The 2009 winner, long-time road running organizer and event director Allan Steinfeld, was the third non-professional athlete to receive the award.”
If You Go:
New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 7 Daylight savings time ends at 2:00 a.m. on Sun.,
Don’t forget to set your clocks.
Ethiopian fans plan to gather at Columbus Circle, which has bleachers set up for spectators and a special stage sponsored by Continental Airlines to provide inspiration for the final .2 miles.
You can take the 1, D, or A train to 59th (8th avenue).
Above:Gebre Gebremariam of Ethiopia set a course record
in the Healthy Kidney 10K race in Central Park, sprinting to
the finish in 27 minutes 42 seconds.
Universal Sports
By David Monti, Race Results Weekly
Posted: May 15, 9:10a ET
NEW YORK — The 2009 IAAF World Cross Country champion Gebre Gebremariam ran the fastest-ever 10-K in Central Park here today, winning the 6th annual UAE Healthy Kidney 10-K in 27 minutes and 42 seconds.
Gebremariam, 25, from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ran aggressively with Kenyan Peter Kamais, the 2010 NYC Half-Marathon champion, right from the gun. The pair were under course record pace at the one-mile checkpoint (4:26) and through the first 5 km (13:47), where they had built a ten second lead over Kenyan Julius Kogo and Englishman Chris Thompson.
The duo ran together until there were 800 meters to go, and Gebremariam used his superior sprint speed to pull away from Kamais for good. Kamais ran 27:49, just one second slower than Tadese Tola’s one year-old course record. Kogo finished third (28:19) and Thompson fourth (28:25).
In addition to his first place prize of $7500, Gebremariam also won a special $20,000 bonus for breaking Tola’s record. Read more.
