At the Barcelona Marathon, Ethiopian runner Fotyen Tesfay secured a remarkable victory in the women's category with an outstanding debut time of 2:10.53. Previously focused on track events such as the 10,000 meters and half-marathons, Tesfay's transition to marathon running proved to be a significant success, as her time ranks as the second fastest in history for a marathon debut. This achievement positions her just 57 seconds shy of the world record held by Ruth Chepng'etich.

In the race, Tesfay faced tough competition, with Jepkosgei Kiplimo finishing in second place, nearly eight minutes behind her, while Zeineba Yimer took third place. After the race, Tesfay expressed her satisfaction with her performance, despite having aimed to challenge for the world record. Adverse weather conditions, particularly strong winds, impacted her ability to accelerate in the final phase of the race. Nevertheless, Tesfay remains optimistic about her future marathons, indicating her intention to attempt breaking the world record in her next race.

The men's segment of the marathon was similarly competitive, with a Ugandan long-distance runner taking the win. This event not only showcased extraordinary athletic performances but also highlighted the increasing prominence of marathon running in Ethiopia, particularly as Tesfay approaches the Olympic Games in Paris, where she previously placed seventh in the 10,000 meters. Her remarkable debut may well signal a new contender on the marathon scene as she prepares for future challenges ahead.