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Kenenisa Bekele Wins Berlin Marathon with 2:01:41

2026-06-26 · Kenenisa Bekele · Player Focus

Kenenisa Bekele won the Berlin Marathon with a time of 2:01:41, improving his personal record by over a minute. This achievement came as a surprise to many, given his recent performance.

Bekele's training for the Berlin Marathon began in May when he left Ethiopia to spend two months in The Netherlands. He lived and trained close to his longtime manager, Jos Hermens, and utilized the resources available to him.

He worked with a physical therapist, Peter Eemers, and a sport nutritionist, Armand Bettonviel, to address his weight and injury issues. Bekele was substantially overweight when he arrived in The Netherlands and had to manage his calories carefully.

His training started with just 40 kilometers a week and gradually increased to 150 kilometers a week by the time he left The Netherlands. Upon returning to Ethiopia, he further increased his training to 180 kilometers a week.

Bekele's comeback was motivated by his desire to regain the Ethiopian marathon record, which he lost in April. His win at the Berlin Marathon is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Bekele's performance at the Berlin Marathon was surprising, given his recent struggles with weight and injuries. However, with the help of his team, he was able to overcome these challenges and achieve a remarkable result.

Bekele's next move is uncertain, but his manager, Jos Hermens, has hinted at potential upcoming races. Hermens also discussed Eliud Kipchoge's attempt to break the 2-hour barrier in the Ineos 159 Challenge.

The Berlin Marathon win marks a significant milestone in Bekele's career, and his future plans will be closely watched by fans and followers of the sport. On September 29, Bekele achieved the second-fastest time in history, just two seconds behind Eliud Kipchoge's world record.

Bekele's training and preparation for the Berlin Marathon were meticulous, and his win is a result of his perseverance and determination. His story serves as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, it's possible to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

The win at the Berlin Marathon is a significant achievement for Bekele, and it will be interesting to see how he builds on this success in the future. For now, he can bask in the glory of his remarkable comeback and his status as one of the greatest marathon runners of all time.

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