Bizunesh Urgesa to defend Mumbai Marathon title

Mumbai, India – Bizunesh Urgesa of Ethiopia will defend her titile at the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon here on January 16, 2011.

An Ethiopian women team led by Bizunesh dominated last year’s race when the top 10 runners were all Ethiopians. The women’s field this year has 10 runners with personal bests of 2:30 or less.

Bizunesh’s main competition will come from none other than fellow Ethiopian Kekebush Haile, winner in 2009 and runner-up last year. Rose Kosgei and Helen Kimutai of Kenya are also expected to give her a run for the money.

Men’s Category

On the men’s side, Ethiopia’s hope rests on the 2000 Sydney Olympics bronze medalist Tesfaye Tola, whose personal best time is 2:06.57. However, Tesfaye will face stiff competition from two-time champion (2007 & 2008) John Kelai of Kenya and Oleg Kulkov of Russia, among others.

Prize Money:

Mumbai Marathon is considered one the top 10 marathon races in the world and also the richest marathon in Asia. So, it is not surprising that the organizers have increased the total prize money to $325,000.