As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, the marathon event is set to feature an intense showdown between the powerhouse teams from Kenya and Ethiopia. Both nations have assembled formidable squads, making the battle for the marathon gold one of the most anticipated events of the Games.
Kenyan Team
Leading the Kenyan charge is former world record holder Eliud Kipchoge, renowned for his dominance in marathon running. Kipchoge is joined by Benson Kipruto, who has secured victories at the Boston and Chicago Marathons in 2021 and the 2024 Tokyo Marathon with a personal best of 2:03:16. The team also includes Tamirat Tola, who shattered Geoffrey Mutai’s long-standing New York City Marathon course record last year, and Alex Mutiso, the recent London Marathon champion. Timothy Kiplagat, who finished second at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon, serves as a reserve, adding depth to the already strong lineup.
The Kenyan women’s team is equally impressive, headlined by Peres Jepchirchir, who recently set the women’s only world record with a time of 2:16:16. Accompanying her are former world record holder Brigid Kosgei and Helen Obiri, the back-to-back 2024 Boston Marathon champion. Sharon Lokedi, the runner-up at the 2024 Boston Marathon, is on standby as a reserve.
Ethiopian Team
Not to be overshadowed, the Ethiopian team boasts an array of elite marathoners. Leading the pack is 2024 Boston Marathon champion Sisay Lemma, along with Kenenisa Bekele, a decorated Olympian with four medals (three gold and one silver) from the 5,000m and 10,000m events at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics. Bekele recently finished second at the 2024 London Marathon with a time of 2:04:15.
The Ethiopian women’s team is spearheaded by Tigist Assefa, the 2022 Berlin Marathon world record holder and the first woman to run a marathon in under two hours and 12 minutes. She is joined by Amane Beriso, the 2023 World Athletics Championship marathon winner, and Gotytom Gebreslase, who won her debut marathon and later the Berlin Marathon.
Ugandan Team
While the spotlight often shines on Kenya and Ethiopia, Uganda’s team is also a strong contender. Victor Kiplagat, the gold medalist at the World Championships in Budapest, leads the men’s team alongside Stephen Kissa and Andrew Kwemoi, the 2023 Milan Marathon champion. The women’s team features Rebecca Chetegei, Stella Chesang, and Mercyline Chelangat, all of whom have demonstrated their capability to compete at the highest level.
Conclusion
The marathon event at the 2024 Paris Olympics promises to be a thrilling contest with Kenya and Ethiopia bringing their best athletes to the forefront. The intense rivalry and remarkable talent on both sides set the stage for an unforgettable race, as these long-distance running giants vie for Olympic glory. The addition of strong contenders from Uganda adds an extra layer of excitement, ensuring that fans worldwide will be captivated by the marathon showdown in Paris.
