Birhanu Legese

Birhanu Legese

Born: 11/09/1994 
Marathon best: 2:02:48 

Legese is the third-fastest marathoner in history and a two-time winner of the Tokyo Marathon. The Ethiopian’s personal best of 2:02:48 was set when he finished second behind countryman Kenenisa Bekele at the 2019 BMW Berlin Marathon, a time which propelled him to third in the all-time marathon rankings behind Bekele and Eliud Kipchoge. His Tokyo wins came in 2019 and 2020. Born and raised in Woliso – around 100km south west of Addis Ababa – the diminutive Ethiopian arrived on the distance-running scene by finishing second in the 2012 Great Ethiopian Run.

London Marathon record

  • None 

Other Abbott World Marathon Majors

Chicago

  • 2018: 10th (2:08:41)

Tokyo

  • 2019: 1st (2:04:48)
  • 2020: 1st (2:04:15)

Berlin

  • 2019: 2nd (2:02:48) 

Other major city marathons

Dubai

  • 2018: 6th (2:04:15)

Valencia

  • 2020: 3rd (2:03:16)
     

Marathons in major championships

  • None