Zersenay Tadesse Breaks Record of The World's Best Half Marathon!

 

 

Today's headline on the BBC news article on the results of the Great North Run was "The Half Marathon world Record Has Been Smashed at The Great North Run."

 

This is indeed a very historic day.  Zersenay the Eritrean Olympic Bronze medalist in the 10,000 meters and Silver medalist in the World Cross Country championships finished at the head of the 50,000 contestants who took part in this year's BUPA Great North Half Marathon.  This was the 25 year that this race is taking part and it is know to attract the best of the best.

 

There are indeed many half marathons that are held annually all over the world.  However, this one is the biggest one of them all.  The Great North Run attracts the world's elite long distance runners and tens of thousands of people.  This year it claimed to have had 50,000 runners and amongst them were the defending champion Dejene Berhanu of Ethiopia and Hendrik Ramaala of South AfricaBerhanu had set the previous fastest time ever run in the UK when he won the race last year.  Moreover, Ramaala had won this race twice in the past and happens to be the winner of the 2004 NY marathon in which Meb Keflezighi was the runner up.  Given this kind of profile, Zersenay prevaild and proved to be the best of the best!

 

He performed with amazing speed and thousands of spectators were able to witness a history in the making. He completed the course in 59 minutes and 5 seconds smashing the previous record and the fastest time ever run in the UK for a half marathon.  The defending champion finished second in 60:44 while Ramaala took third in 62:25. 

 

It is no longer a secret that Zersenay is amongst the world's elite long distance runners.  He along with his fellow Eritrean athletes have ushered a new era of Eritrean athletics.  What we have witnessed today is a preview of what is to come in the next few years.  Eritrean American Athletics Association has recognized the potential of our athletes and has been working hard since 2001 to advance athletics amongst our youth at home and in the diaspora.  We call upon all Eritreans to continue their support for our athletes.

 

EAAA extends its congratulations to Zersenay for a job well done!

 

May God Bless Eritrea!

 

Desale Yacob, MD

EAAA Medical Desk Director

September 18, 2005  

 

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/athletics/4244720.stm