Kenenisa Bekele

Ethiopian long-distance runner (track and field) · Ethiopia · On the map · Athletes · Born 1982 · age 44

Kenenisa Bekele Beyecha is an Ethiopian long-distance runner. He was the world record holder in both the 5,000-metre and 10,000-metre from 2004 until 2020. He won the gold medal in both the 5,000 m and 10,000 m events at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Kenenisa Bekele is read about 217 times a day, in 51 languages.

A typical day, 30 days to 13 November 2026

The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 400 days, one point a day.

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A life in dates

2025“I am very disappointed. I was very much looking forward to returning to the TCS London Marathon on Sunday, especially after how well I ran there last year.”In their words22 April 2025Kenenisa Bekele Withdraws From The 2025 London MarathonRead the whole statement

“These victories are more significant in my eyes than my previous ones, because in the past I had my fiancée with me, encouraging me”In their words19 March 2025Two decades since Bekele and Dibaba dazzled with double-double cross victoriesRead the whole statement

2023“I know that Valencia is very fast. And [on the entry list] there are many strong competitors from different countries, so the expectations are very high”In their words30 October 2023Kenenisa Bekele says his best is yet to comeRead the whole statement

2019“Listen to your body and make the necessary sacrifices. If you do that, you can fulfil your marathon potential and finish your career with a flourish”In their words7 August 2019Advice to my younger self: Kenenisa BekeleRead the whole statement

2012Bislett medalAward1982Born13 June 1982

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Career 1

ClubYears

dsm-firmenich Running Team

Media & music

Photos 7

Kenenisa competing in the 2006 Golden League.

Kenenisa leading the way at the 2007 Cross de Itálica.

Celebrating his gold medal victory at the 2009 World Championships.

Kenenisa pursuing the lead pack in the Men's 10,000 metres final event at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Kenenisa Bekele at the 2014 Paris Marathon

Kenenisa leading the 5000 m at the 2009 World Championships

In their own words 6

Kenenisa Bekele

6 statements, newest first

It’s greater than my Olympic victory in Athens
, Own words
It’s more significant because of what has happened. Joy comes frequently in life, but grief of this level is something you encounter only rarely.
, Own words
Running neck and neck with Kipchoge was a very difficult part of the race, but I believed my finish would be strong enough to win
, Own words