Great Ethiopian Run (GER) - Merga, Mergia, and Kebede lead strong Ethiopian contingent for Delhi Half Marathon

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Merga, Mergia, and Kebede lead strong Ethiopian contingent for Delhi Half Marathon

29 October 2009- No less than seventeen Ethiopians including Boston Marathon champion Deriba Mergia and world championships marathon bronze medallist Asselefech Mergia are slated to compete in the Airtel New Delhi Half Marathon in India on Sunday.

In the men’s race, Merga, who failed to finish the world championship marathon in Berlin after leading in the opening stages, will hope to bounce back to defend the title he won last year as he prepares to do battle with the top Kenyan marathon runners Wilson Kipsang and Wilson Chebet. The 24-year old, who is managed by Hussein Makke and self-trained, will be joined in the Indian capital by Eshetu Wondimu, who was third in the Dubai Marathon last year, and Bezu Worku, world junior marathon record holder.

On paper, the women’s race looks even more competitive with world half marathon champion Mary Keitany having to battle no less than nine Ethiopians for victory. The leading Ethiopian is Asselefech Mergia after her world half marathon bronze in 2008 and world championship full marathon bronze this year. She will be joined by world junior half marathon record holder Abebu Gelan, world half marathon bronze medalist Aberu Kebede, Bezunesh Bekele (second fastest Ethiopian half marathon runner and 2009 Dubai Marathon champion), and Wude Ayalew, who is expected to make a half marathon debut in Delhi after taking bronze in the world championship 10000m final.

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