Kipchoge's teammate eyes Ksh6.4M and World Championships slot in Tata Mumbai Marathon

Canadian All Comers' Marathon record holder Philemon Rono has set his sights on improving his second-place finish from 2023 when he lines up for this year’s Tata Mumbai Marathon slated for Sunday 19 January.

Nicknamed 'Baby Police', Rono, a Kaptagat-based runner under the NN Running Team is set to take on course record holder and defending champion Hayle Lemi Berhanu who is chasing a hat trick in the Indian race.

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The duo renew rivalry for the first time since their showdown here two years ago when the Ethiopian clocked 2:07:32 for the men’s course record.

However, for 33-year-old Rono who trains alongside two-time Olympic champion and former world record holder Eliud Kipchoge under coach Patrick Sang, the stakes are higher as the race doubles as a qualifying event for the World Athletics Championships set for Tokyo, Japan in September.

“Running for Kenya is an honour. A win here is crucial for my World Championships qualification and Tokyo aspirations,” Rono who placed fourth in his last race, the Shenzhen Marathon on 1 December 2024 where he clocked 2:10:12, said.

Rono will, however, need to be in his 2019 form where he ran his personal best (PB) time of 2:00:00 to win the Toronto Waterfront Marathon as the qualifying time for the Marathon in Tokyo is set at 2:06:30.

Joining the duo as one of the favourites is Ethiopian Bazezew Asmare, a 2:04:57 runner from 2022 in Amsterdam, now fully recovered from a prior injury.

The women’s race also promises thrilling competition. Aberash Minsewo, last year’s champion, is eager to defend her title at just 23 years old. “I’ve grown since last year and feel well-prepared. Knowing the course gives me confidence,” Minsewo noted.

However, she faces tough challenges from compatriots Shitaye Eshete, now representing Bahrain, and Shuko Genemo, who seeks a gold finish with meticulous preparation under her coach’s unique training philosophy.

Eshete, an experienced marathoner, shared insights into her journey: “Transitioning from track to marathons has been rewarding. Focusing on high mileage has equipped me to achieve success in road racing.”

The prize pool of Ksh50.4 million ($389,524) includes Ksh6.4 million ($50,000) for the winners in both men’s and women’s categories, with additional bonuses for breaking course records.

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Men's Category

Lemi Berhanu Hayle 02:04:33

Asrar Hiyrden Abderehman 02:04:43

Bazezew Asmare Belay 02:04:57

Philemon Rono Cherop 02:05:00

Kelkile Gezahegn Woldaregay 02:05:56

Abdi Fufa Nigassa 02:05:57

Merhawi Kesete Weldemaryam 02:06:36

Kemal Husen Gebi ETH 02:06:52

Birhan Nebebew Tesfaye 02:06:52    

Berhane Tesfay Berhe 02:07:07

Abdi Ali Gelelchu Gelchu 02:07:15

Melese Kifle Dendir 02:11:07

Demeke Tesfaye Ademe 02:11:48

Silas Kiprotich Kirui 02:12:23

Bitew Ademe Endalew 02:18:41       -

Weyifen Dejene Mulisa DEBUT

Haimanot Mossie Delele DEBUT

Women's Category

Aberash Minsewo Belay 02:26:06

Joyce Chepkemoi Tele 02:20:17        

Shitaye Eshete Habte 02:21:33

Shuko Genemo Wote 02:21:35

Tigist Getnet Belew 02:23:17

Adanech Anbesa Feyisa 02:24:07

Asimarech Naga Mengsitu 02:24:13

Tigist Memuye Gebeyahu 02:24:23

Ayantu Kumela Tadesse 02:24:29

Veronica Njeri Maina 02:24:46

Zinash Mekonnen Lema 02:24:55

Emebet Niguse Mamo 02:25:25

Nigsti Haftu Tesfay 02:25:37   

Aberash Demisse Korse 02:25:42    

Medina Deme Armino 02:26:01

Aamelmal Birara Tagel 02:26:31

Shewarge Alene Amare 02:27:26

Birtukan Birhanu Abera 02:32:40

Enyish Mengie Birkie DEBUT