A 2:19:31 marathon time recorded in 2012 established an Ethiopian national record and positioned Aselefech Mergia as one of the fastest women in history over the distance. Since her professional debut in 2006, she has maintained a significant presence in international long-distance road racing, securing multiple titles and podium finishes across global marathon and half-marathon circuits.
Early Career and Initial Success
Mergia began her professional road racing career in 2006, marked by a seventh-place finish at the Delhi Half Marathon. In 2007, she won the Plymouth Half Marathon in 1:14:50 and recorded a personal best of 32:19 at a 10K race in Glasgow. Her international breakthrough followed in 2008 with a victory at the Delhi Half Marathon, where she achieved a then-personal best of 1:08:17, and a silver medal at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships.
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Take the IQ test →Marathon Breakthroughs and Podium Finishes
Her marathon debut occurred at the 2009 Paris Marathon, where she clocked 2:25:02 to finish second. That same year, she earned a bronze medal at the World Championships in Athletics with a time of 2:25:32. In 2010, she was promoted to winner of the London Marathon following the disqualification of the top two finishers. She continued her development by winning the 2011 Dubai Marathon, earning a $250,000 prize, and later winning the Great South Run.
Record Performance and Later Wins
In January 2012, she set her career-best time of 2:19:31 while winning the Dubai Marathon for the second time, setting both a course record and an Ethiopian record. Her competitive history also includes an appearance at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. She returned to the Dubai Marathon in 2015 to secure her third victory in that event, finishing with a time of 2:20:02.
Fast facts
- Born: 23 January 1985, Waliso, Ethiopia
- Primary Sport: Marathon
- Marathon Personal Best: 2:19:31
- Half Marathon Personal Best: 1:07:21
- Dubai Marathon Wins: 2011, 2012, 2015
- 2009 World Championships Result: Bronze
Questions readers ask
What is Aselefech Mergia's personal record in the marathon?
Her personal best is 2:19:31, achieved at the 2012 Dubai Marathon.
How many times has she won the Dubai Marathon?
She has won the Dubai Marathon three times, specifically in 2011, 2012, and 2015.
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