Ethiopian runners complete Berlin Marathon double

Ethiopian runners made history by completing a double victory at the Berlin Marathon on Sunday.

Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge holds the world record at 2:01:39, set in Berlin in 2018.

Bekele tried to break Kipchoge’s world record late in the race but missed it by just two seconds.

Chepngeno is the first woman from Ethiopia to win the Berlin Marathon since Aberu Kebede in 2010.

Bekele’s record of 2:01:41 in Berlin in 2019 still stands as the second-fastest time in history.

He crossed the finish line in a time of 2:01:41, missing the world record by just two seconds.

Bekele was sure he could have broken Kipchoge’s record,” said his manager, Jos Hermens.

Bekele, the second-fastest man in history over the marathon distance, had never beaten Kipchoge in a marathon.

“I felt good when I crossed the finish line,” said Bekele. “The world record is still possible,” he added.

Kenya’s Diana Kipyokei was third in a personal best of 2:24:45.