The TCS Amsterdam Marathon will celebrate its special anniversary edition on Sunday, October 19, with an exceptionally strong international field. Earlier, sports organization Le Champion announced the participation of Olympic Champion Joshua Cheptegei.
Two-time winner Tsegay Getachew returns to TCS Amsterdam Marathon
With the addition of two-time winner Tsegay Getachew and Gabriel Geay, holder of a personal best of 2:03:00 and the fastest man in the field, spectators can look forward to a thrilling race. The women’s field is equally impressive, with a broad group at the start line, including the talented Tiruye Mesfin from the NN Running Team.
Ethiopia’s 28-year-old Tsegay Getachew returns to Amsterdam to defend his title. After his victory at the 2022 TCS Amsterdam Marathon, which marked his international breakthrough, Getachew once again managed to outkick his competitors in the final meters last year. His winning time of 2:05:38 did not come close to his 2022 best of 2:04:49. Will he succeed this time in lowering his personal record over the 42.195 km distance?
In the Platinum Label race, Getachew will be joined by two swift compatriots: Getaneh Molla and Muktar Edris. Of this trio, Molla has the fastest credentials with a 2:03:34 personal best (Dubai, 2019). But Edris, who debuted over the marathon in Boston this year with 2:05:59, could also be a serious contender.
Alongside the strong Ethiopian delegation, Gabriel Geay from Tanzania is among the top favorites. With a 2:03:00 lifetime best, the ninth-fastest marathon time in history (Valencia, 2022), Geay has proven his class with a second-place finish at the 2023 Boston Marathon and a seventh-place finish at the 2022 World Championships marathon.
On Sunday, October 19, these four world-class athletes, together with the already announced Joshua Cheptegei, will set the pace in pursuit of the course record, which has stood at 2:03:39 since 2021. Record holder Tamirat Tola was originally scheduled to compete but unfortunately had to withdraw due to a stress fracture.
Four Women Under 2:20
At the same time as the men, a strong women’s field will set off from the Olympic Stadium. All four top contenders have personal bests under 2:20: Tiruye Mesfin (2:18:35), Bosena Mulatie (2:19:00), Zeineba Yimer (2:19:07), and Yebrugual Melese (2:19:36). If these women manage to work well together, a serious attempt at the course record is within reach. The women’s course record belongs to Yalemzerf Yehualaw: 2:16:52 (2024).
Followed Live Worldwide
On Sunday, October 19, the TCS Amsterdam Marathon will mark its 50th anniversary with an extra festive edition. The world’s best runners will start at 9:00 a.m. from the iconic Olympic Stadium. Simultaneously, the Dutch National Marathon Championships will also be held in Amsterdam. The spectacle will be broadcast live by NOS and Eurosport and aired in more than 190 countries. The finish can also be watched live from inside the stadium, which will be freely accessible to the public throughout the weekend.
