Double Champion Getachew Faces Off Against Cheptegei in Exciting Amsterdam Showdown

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Double Champion Getachew Faces Off Against Cheptegei in Exciting Amsterdam Showdown

Tsegaye Getachew, the defending champion, will compete at the TCS Amsterdam Marathon, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary on Sunday, October 19. This highly anticipated event features a competitive field, including two-time Olympic gold medallist Joshua Cheptegei from Uganda. Getachew’s extraordinary performance included a personal best of 2:04:49 set during his victory in Amsterdam in 2022.

Exciting Field in the Men’s Race

The men’s race promises to be thrilling. Getachew, who also won last year with a time of 2:05:38, hasn’t raced since then, raising questions about his current fitness. Alongside him are elite runners like:

Joshua Cheptegei (UGA) – A three-time world champion over 10,000m, he debuted in the marathon with a time of 2:08:59 in Valencia 2023 and improved to 2:05:59 at the Tokyo Marathon.
Gabriel Geay (TAN) – The fastest in the field with a Tanzanian record of 2:03:00 from the 2022 Valencia Marathon.
Getaneh Molla (ETH) – His personal best is 2:03:34, set during his marathon debut in 2019.

Other notable contenders include Bute Gemechu, a recent Dubai Marathon winner, Andualem Shiferaw, Muktar Edris, and Bazezew Asmare. Notably, Olympic champion Tamirat Tola is unable to run due to a stress fracture.

Women’s Race Features Strong Ethiopian Contenders

The women’s event will see a new champion crowned as the last three editions were claimed by Ethiopian runners. Top athletes include:

Lonah Salpeter (ISR) – Holds the fastest personal best in the field at 2:17:45, set in 2020.
Tiruye Mesfin (ETH) – Recorded a best of 2:18:35 in 2022 and recently placed fourth in Rotterdam.
Bosena Mulate (ETH) – Achieved 2:19:00 in her last race in Berlin.

Zeineba Yimer and Yebrugual Melese, both sub-2:20 performers, also bring strong credentials. Bahrain’s Desi Jisa Mokonin, with a season best of 2:20:07, is another athlete to watch out for.

Anticipation for the 2023 Amsterdam Marathon

With the diverse and talented line-up, this year’s Amsterdam Marathon promises to be an electrifying experience for both athletes and spectators. Records may be challenged, and new talent could emerge as contenders for the prestigious titles.