Xiamen: Ethiopian athletes Dawit Wolde and Ruti Aga emerged victorious at the 2025 Xiamen Marathon, setting new course records in both the men’s and women’s categories. Wolde recorded a time of two hours, six minutes, and six seconds, surpassing the previous record set by Kenya’s Moses Cheruiyot Mosop in 2015. Meanwhile, Aga finished the women’s race in two hours, 18 minutes, and 46 seconds, breaking the course record set by Mare Dibaba Hurrsa, also in 2015.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Wolde’s performance saw him clinch the title, with Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana finishing just 12 seconds behind to claim the silver medal. Another Ethiopian, Asefa Boki Kebebe, secured the bronze with a time of 2:06:32. Wolde expressed his satisfaction with the race, praising the course and the event’s organization, and hinted at a return in the future.
In the women’s race, Aga’s record-breaking run was followed by fellow Ethiopians Gutemi Shone and Fikrte Wereta, who finished second and third respectively. The event, which has held World Athletics Elite Platinum Label status since 2021, attracted 35,000 participants from 46 countries and regions, underscoring its growing international appeal.
The achievements of Wolde and Aga highlight Ethiopia’s continued dominance in long-distance running, particularly in prestigious international marathons. Their victories in Xiamen add to the country’s storied legacy in the sport, further establishing Ethiopian athletes as formidable competitors on the global stage.
