Ethiopian athlete Tamirat Tola emerged as the victor in the men’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, breaking Kenya’s domination in the race. Tola set a new Olympic record by completing the marathon in 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 26 seconds. Belgian runner Bashir Abdi followed closely, finishing 21 seconds later, while Benson Kipruto of Kenya secured the bronze medal, trailing by 34 seconds.
The 32-year-old Tola, who also won a medal in the 10,000 meters at the 2016 Rio Games, triumphed despite entering the Olympic marathon as a substitute for an injured teammate. This marked Tola’s second Olympic medal, showcasing his prowess in long-distance running. His achievement was accompanied by Abdi, a 35-year-old athlete originally from Somalia, who secured his second Olympic medal after clinching bronze in the Tokyo Games three years ago.
British runner Emile Cairess claimed the fourth spot in the marathon, exhibiting a burst of energy in the final stretch of the race. However, two-time defending champion Eliud Kipchoge faced challenges throughout the competition and failed to finish. The last non-Kenyan to win the men’s marathon was Ugandan Stephen Kiprotich at the 2012 London Games.
The marathon course, which diverged from tradition by not being held on the final day of the Olympics, took the runners through scenic routes starting from Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and passing by landmarks such as Opéra Garnier, the Louvre museum, and the Palace of Versailles. Tola maintained a strong lead throughout the race, eventually crossing the finish line near the gold-domed Invalides monument amidst cheers and applause from spectators.
The memory of Kelvin Kiptum, the Kenyan world record holder who tragically passed away in a car accident earlier in the year with his coach, loomed over the competition. Despite this somber note, the enthusiastic support from the crowd added a sense of warmth and unity to the event. The women’s marathon is set to take place on the following day, continuing the legacy of long-distance running at the Paris Olympics.
