Johannesburg, 16 Apr 2015
Ethiopian runner, Meseret Mengistu (26), has won the prestigious 2015 Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris women's race in 2:23:24.
As winner of the 2014 Soweto Marathon, Mengistu pocketed the Schneider Electric South Africa sponsored prize: an all-expenses paid trip and an entry to experience the world-class Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris on 12 April 2015.
"Our runner has won! We are thrilled with Meseret's result, and as South Africans, we extend our heartfelt congratulations on her incredible feat. This phenomenal runner was ranked only 12th going into the race, and her win is a fantastic achievement," says Ntombi Mhangwani, marketing and communications director at Schneider Electric South Africa.
Mengistu took almost six minutes off her best time to beat top runners from across the globe and emerge as victor of the 42.2km race.
The male winner of the Soweto Marathon, fellow Ethiopian, Sintayehi Yinesu (25), also achieved a noteworthy result and finished in 10th position. He too was sponsored by Schneider Electric South Africa. Kenyan runner Mark Korir won the race in 2:05:46.
"A huge congratulations to Sintayehi too! Competing against global athletes and finishing in the top 10 is a magnificent achievement. Both our runners have made Schneider Electric South Africa, the country and the African continent, proud," adds Mhangwani.
The annual, prestigious race starts at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe, with runners heading towards Concorde. Rivoli Road then leads them to Bastille Place. After a moment of green in the Vincennes Wood, the runners return via the breathtaking views of the Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Each year, this sequence attracts both athletes and tourists.
Mengistu and Yinesu were accompanied by a South African contingent comprising the country's media and delegates from Schneider Electric South Africa.
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