News Release – Monday 19^th September 2005

Derartu wins Great North Run

Derartu Tulu became the first Ethiopian to win the women’s race at the Bupa Great North Run, while Dejene Berhanu came second in the men’s race with a time of 1 hour and 0 minutes and 44 seconds. The race took place on Sunday 18th September in Newcastle.

Derartu was initially part of an early leading group which included fellow Ethiopian athletes Worknesh Kidane and Berhane Adere, but the two-time 10,000 metres Olympic champion consolidated her lead at the eighth mile and went on to finish first with a time of 1 hour 7 minutes and 33 seconds, followed by Worknesh in second place in 1:08.09.

After her victory Derartu said

“It has always been my ambition to win this event. I have tried two or three times before but on this occasion I knew I was coming into the race injury-free."

"I am happy to win because I tried very hard for the victory. But I always felt if I competed here injury free, I could win the race."

Derartu also announced her intention to run in the Great South Run, which is take place in Portsmouth on 9^th October.

ENDS