The German marathon duo Samuel Fitwi and Melat Kejeta significantly undercut the Olympic standard in Dubai and achieved good placings in the 42.195 kilometer race.
Melat Keleta from Kassel came fourth on Sunday (January 7th, 2024) in 2:21:47 hours, Samuel Fitwi from Trier came fifth in 2:06:27 hours. Both can now plan to start at the games in Paris.
Kejeta achieved the best time of a German runner during the qualification period. Before the race in Dubai, Domenika Mayer was ahead of Laura Hottenrott in this ranking. There are three German places for the Olympic race.
Victories go to Ethiopia
In the men’s category they should go to the German record holder Amanal Petros, Fitwi and European champion Richard Ringer. Only this trio has beaten the international Olympic standard.
The victories in Dubai each went to Ethiopia. Tigist Ketema won the women’s race in a course record time of 2:16:07 hours, and Addisu Gobena won the men’s race in 2:05:01 hours. It was their first marathon for both of them.