Mumbai, India – January 19, 2025 – Eritrean athlete Berhane Tesfay delivered a remarkable performance at the 20th edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon, securing the Gold Medal in the men’s 42-kilometer race. Tesfay crossed the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 44 seconds, marking his first-ever marathon victory and solidifying his place in the international athletics scene.
Tesfay’s impressive win came after a tightly contested race, with Eritrean compatriot Merhawi Kesete finishing a mere six seconds behind, earning the Silver Medal with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 50 seconds.
The top ten finishers featured a competitive field, including five Ethiopian athletes, one Kenyan athlete, and two Indian athletes.
“I’m happy to have won today’s race,” said Tesfay. “The first half went smoothly, and I focused on maintaining a steady pace. After 25 kilometers, my strategy shifted to securing the win rather than chasing a specific time. This victory is a testament to the hard work and training that led me here.”
The victory is especially significant for Tesfay, who made his marathon debut in 2023 and had quickly established himself as one of the rising stars of the long-distance running scene.
The triumph at the Mumbai Marathon, a prestigious World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, has further elevated his reputation.
The marathon’s elite field featured athletes from around the world, with the top two finishers in the men’s category receiving significant prize money—USD 50,000 for Tesfay and USD 25,000 for Kesete.
The 2025 Mumbai Marathon witnessed the emergence of new champions and exciting performances, with Tesfay’s victory marking a significant moment in Eritrean athletics.
As a testament to his remarkable achievement, Tesfay has now firmly established himself as a key contender on the global marathon circuit.
