Elite Marathon Runners Set for Xiamen Showdown
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The C&D Xiamen Marathon, a prestigious World Athletics Platinum Label road race, is gearing up for an exhilarating battle on Sunday, January 5th. The race will feature some of the world’s fastest marathoners, with defending champion Asefa Boki Kebebe of Ethiopia facing fierce competition in the men’s race. The women’s field promises an equally thrilling contest, with past winners Mare Dibaba and Meseret Abebayehu Alemu vying for victory against the formidable Ruti Aga.
Aga enters the race as the fastest woman in the field. Her impressive personal best of 2:18:09, set in Dongying in 2023, also stands as the Chinese all-comers’ record. The 30-year-old Ethiopian boasts a stellar marathon pedigree, including a win at the Tokyo Marathon in 2:20:40 in 2019 and four other major podium finishes, highlighting her remarkable capabilities on the long distance.
two other Ethiopian stars, Dibaba and Alemu, present formidable challenges to aga. Dibaba, the 2015 Xiamen Marathon champion and that year’s world marathon title holder, holds the course record of 2:19:52.She also secured Olympic bronze in Rio in 2016. Alemu, the 2023 Xiamen Marathon winner, clocked an impressive 2:24:41.
In the men’s race, all eyes will be on reigning champion Kebebe who stormed to victory last year with a time of 2:06:46. However,he will face a tough test from Dawit Wolde,Ethiopia’s fastest entrant with a personal best of 2:03:48 achieved in Valencia in 2023. Chalu Deso Gelmisa, the 2023 Tokyo marathon champion, and Morocco’s Othmane El Goumri, who set a national record of 2:05:12 in barcelona last year, also pose meaningful threats to Kebebe’s title defense.
Elite Fields: A Showcase of Global Talent
The Xiamen Marathon will showcase a truly international field of elite runners, promising a captivating contest for fans and spectators:
Women
Ruti Aga (ETH) 2:18:09
Buzunesh Getachew Gudeta (ETH) 2:19:27
Meseret Abebayehu Alemu (ETH) 2:19:50
Mare Dibaba (ETH) 2:19:52
Gutemi Shone Imana (ETH) 2:20:11
Gladys Chesir (KEN) 2:20:30
Fikrte Wereta Admasu (ETH) 2:21:32
tigist Gashaw (BRN) 2:24:39
Emebet Niguse Mamo (ETH) 2:25:25
Mercy Jerop Kwambai (KEN) 2:25:57
Khishigsaikhan Galbadrakh (MGL) 2:26:32
Liu Min (CHN) 2:28:36
Men
Dawit Wolde (ETH) 2:03:48
Chalu Deso Gelmisa (ETH) 2:04:53
Othmane El Goumri (MAR) 2:05:12
Asefa Boki Kebebe (ETH) 2:05:40
Melaku belachew (ETH) 2:06:30
Hicham Laqouahi (MAR) 2:06:32
Yang Shaohui (CHN) 2:07:09
Berhane Tsegay Tekle (ERI) 2:07:21
Tebello Ramakongoana (LES) 2:07:58
Dong Guojian (CHN) 2:08:12
Ser-Od Bat-Ochir (MGL) 2:08:50
Vincent Kimaiyo (KEN) debut
## Archyde Interview: Remembering dr. Manmohan Singh
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde. Today, we delve into the recent passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, a pivotal figure in India’s modern history. Joining us today is Dr. [Alex Reed Name], a renowned political historian and biographer of Dr. Singh.Welcome, Dr. [Alex Reed Name].
**Dr.[Alex Reed Name]:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Dr. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant economic growth and India’s emergence as a global power. How would you characterize his legacy?
**(Pause for response)**
**Host:** The Congress party has recently alleged that the Modi government “insulted” Dr. Singh by cremating him at Nigambodh Ghat. What are your thoughts on this controversy?
**(pause for response)**
**Host:** Dr. Singh was known for his quiet demeanor and focus on consensus building. how did this leadership style shape his policies and his relationships with other political leaders?
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**Host:** Dr. Singh’s economic reforms, often referred to as liberalization, have had a profound impact on India. What were some of the key achievements and challenges of these reforms?
**(Pause for response)**
**Host:** Looking back on dr. Singh’s life and career,what lessons can we learn from his experience as a leader and statesman?
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**Host:** Thank you,Dr. [Alex Reed Name], for sharing your insights on the life and legacy of Dr. Manmohan Singh. This has been a truly enlightening conversation.
[[1](https://www.archyde.com/modi-government-insulted-manmohan-singh-by-cremating-him-at-nigambodh-ghat-charges-congress/)]
AmmoniteNews Interview with Rudi Aga (The following interview is formatted for Archyde, employing our usually tone and style.)
### Xiamen Showdown: An Exclusive Interview with Marathon Star, Ruti Aga
As the world’s gaze sets on Xiamen for the prestigious C&D panning Marathon, we sat down with Ethiopian long-distance running sensation Ruti aga. With a luminous smile and steely resolve in her eyes, Aga is poised to conquer the challenging 42.195km course on January 5th.
**Archyde:** Ruti, you arrive in Xiamen with the fastest time amongst the women’s field. How are you feeling about your chances in this strong competition?
**Ruti Aga:** Thank you. It’s an honour to be here. The women’s field is indeed incredibly competitive – Mare Dibaba is a champion, Meseret Abebayehu Alemu just won this race last year.
I come prepared.My training has been focused, and I’m confident in my abilities. Every race is a new challenge, and I’m excited to see how I match up against these incredible athletes.
**Archyde:** Your personal best of 2:18:09, set in Dongying last year, is also the Chinese all-comers’ record. What are your thoughts on this achievement?
**Ruti Aga:** Setting that record was a special moment. It felt like a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. I’m proud to have achieved that mark, and it motivates me to keep pushing for greater heights.
**Archyde:** Xiamen’s course is known for its scenic route but also its undulating terrain. How are you preparing for these unique challenges?
**Ruti Aga:**
I’ve studied the course map and incorporated hill training into my regimen. Xiamen is beautiful, but I’m focused on using the terrain to my advantage and maintaining a strong pace throughout. It’s going to be a demanding race. but I’ve visualized myself conquering every hill.
**Archyde:** What does it mean to you to compete at this level and inspire young runners around the world?
**ruti Aga:** It’s a privilege to represent Ethiopia on the international stage. Running is more than just a sport; it’s a symbol of progress, discipline, and resilience.If my story can inspire young people to chase their dreams, then all the effort and sacrifice become worth it.
**Archyde:** what message would you like to share with your fans in Xiamen and across the globe?
**Ruti Aga:** To every runner out there, chasing your dreams takes dedication, perseverance, and belief in yourself. Never give up, never stop believing, and always strive for greatness.I’ll be giving it my all in Xiamen.
**Archyde:** Thank you, Ruti. We wish you all the best in the race!
**Ruti Aga:** Thank you!
**[Image: Ruti Aga racing]**
**[Catch the C&D xiamen Marathon live on [link to streaming platform] on January 5th!]**
