Ethiopia's double victory at the Berlin Marathon 2024 from Miklesa Mengesha (2:03:17) and Tigist Ketema (2:16:42) respectively in the men's and women's races. In the men's race Nike beat adidas. Mengesha achieved the victoria with the Nike Vaporfly 2 While in the women's race, the adidas fast running shoes made the differences with the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 model Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1
There were no big names in the second fastest marathon on the planet - after the Chicago Marathon with the world record signed by Kelvin Kiptum with a time of 2:00:35 in 2023 - but, once again, the Berlin Marathon made it clear that it is a prestigious race in which victoria is always a titanic struggle among elite runners.
In fact, the Berlin 42-kilometer race marked the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Marathon with 58,212 athletes lining up at the start line, a record number of participants in Berlin. It was also the 25th anniversary of the first world record.
Carbon-plate winningShoes at the Berlin Marathon 2024
Beyond the competitive level, and putting the spotlight on carbon plate running shoes, the models that topped the final podium in both the men's and women's categories were:
In a few simple steps we help you to choose the ideal running shoe for you
Go to the Shoe FinderThe men's race was a spectacle from start to finish, with an eye on the 2:01:09 record set by Eliud Kipchoge in 2022. But also with a clear favorite as Tadese Tekele, third classified in the 2023 edition, but who could not meet the initial forecasts.
The tension was palpable in the air from the start, with a leading group of eight runners, wearing adidas and Nike running shoes. As the race progressed, the pace intensified. At the 25 kilometer mark, the hares dropped out of the race, and three athletes decided to break away from the pack: Kibiwott Kendie, Asbel Kiprop and Miklesa Mengesha broke away from the rest, setting a relentless pace, but not yet breaking away from the field.
The race continued and at the 35th kilometer mark, Tadese Tekele briefly took the lead, while Kibiwott Kandie lost contact with the leading group. At this point, the group had been reduced to seven runners with Asbel Kiprop leading the way.
The final kilometers were heart-stopping. At kilometer 39, there were only four riders left in contention for the podium: Asbel Kiprop, Cybrian Kotut, Miklesa Mengesha and Haymanot Alew. The pace quickened even more, reaching an impressive 2:55 per kilometer. Just two kilometers from the goal, Haymanot Alew lost contact with the group, leaving the victoria in dispute between Asbel Kiprop, Cyprian Kotut and Miklesa Mengesha.
In an exciting final sprint, Mengesha managed to win, crossing the meta line with a time of 2:03:17, closely followed by Kotut and Alew.
Ethiopian athlete Mengesha's victoria represented not only a personal triumph, but also a victoria for Nike in its ongoing technology battle with adidas.
Nike Vaporfly 2 by Miklesa Mengesha
The Nike Vaporfly 2 established itself as one of the most impactful releases in the running world. This second iteration of the acclaimed Vaporfly model not only maintains the legacy of its predecessor, but raises the standard of what a runner can expect from their racing shoe. Uncompromising speed The Vaporfly 2 is designed for one purpose: speed. Nike has succeeded in creating a shoe that combines: Exceptional reactivity, the ZoomX foam, known for its superior energy return, propels the runner forward with every stride; and amazing lightness, despite its great cushioning, these shoes keep weight to a minimum, reducing fatigue on long distance runs.
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 by Cyprian Kotut
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 represents a significant leap in marathon fast running shoes design, incorporating a new forefoot rocker geometry to optimize momentum on long-distance runs. Equipped with the Lightstrike Promidsole, they offer an optimal combination of shock absorption and lightness. Its Lightlock upper, with lightweight stretch mesh, provides a secure and stable fit, while the Lighttraxion outsole, designed based on studies of elite athletes' tread patterns, ensures superior traction. Weighing approximately 200 grams for men and 172 grams for women's running shoes, these shoes have been meticulously developed in the adidas Innovation Lab in Germany and extensively tested with elite athletes in various countries, ensuring maximum performance for runners seeking speed and efficiency without compromising comfort.
Nike Alphafly 3 by Haymanot Alew
The Nike Alphafly 3 is a high-end marathon shoe designed to break records. They feature a midsole with a continuous bottom layer of ZoomX cushioning for smoother transitions and increased propulsion, but also two Air Zoom units and a carbon fiber Flyplate to power every step. The Flyplate has been widened for improved stability on long-distance runs. They feature a wider base, making them more comfortable for non-professional runners. At the same time, they offer a lightweight, highly cushioned and incredibly fast ride to maximize performance for every mile run.
Original price £268.20
In contrast to the tightly contested men's race, the main favorite for the final win, Tigist Ketema lived up to the predictions and dominated the women's race from start to finish. Ketema took the lead from the first kilometers. Her cadence era relentless, and it soon became clear that she was not only going for the victoria, but also had her sights set on the course record.
As the kilometers ticked by, Ketema's lead over her pursuers widened. Her compatriot Mestawot Fikir led the chase group, but the gap between the two seemed to grow with each stride.
At the halfway point of the race, the stopwatches confirmed what had already been sensed: Ketema was close to reach a stratospheric time. His pace was steady and his technique awesome. In the end, Tigist Ketema won in Berlin with a time of 2:16:42, followed by Fikir and Mulatie, second and third respectively.
Etopìa's dominance in the women's category was overwhelming, with the top four finishers all of this nationality.
adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 by Tigist Ketema
Imagine shoes so light they almost seem to float. Weighing in at a mere 138 grams, the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 redefines the concept of lightness in racing shoes. However, this weight reduction does not come at the expense of performance. On the contrary, these shoes maintain maximum sole height, offering the protection needed to tackle the 42.195 kilometers of a marathon. Cutting-edge technology in every stride with Lightstrike Pro foam, an engineering marvel that offers a unique combination of cushioning and responsiveness. But adidas didn't stop there. The addition of carbon EnergyRods in the midsole provides explosive and stable propulsion, turning every step into forward momentum.
Proven success in the marathon elite. The debut of the Adios Pro Evo 1 couldn't have been more spectacular. In their first competitive appearance, these shoes helped Tigst Assefa smash the women's marathon world record in Berlin 2023. This achievement not only validates adidas' design, but also sends a clear message: the Adios Pro Evo 1 is here to change the rules of the game. What makes these running shoes truly special is how they fuse cutting-edge technology with meticulous design. Every element, from the way the upper hugs the foot to the foam distribution in the outsole, has been thought out to maximize performance without compromising comfort.
Original price £500
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris by Mestawot Fikir
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris represents a significant evolution in performance shoes design, with a 22 gram weight reduction over its predecessor. They incorporate innovative FlyteFoam Blast Turbo Plus foam in the midsole, offering superior cushioning and enhanced rebound. Its full-length carbon plate has been redesigned to optimize toe-off, while its low profile with a 5 mm drop (395 mm in the heel and 345 mm in the forefoot) contributes to greater running efficiency. With a featherweight of only 187 grams for men and 147 grams for women, these shoes promise a weightless feel that reduces fatigue and improves running economy. Overall, the Metaspeed Sky Paris are designed to deliver speed, comfort and efficiency, making them an ideal choice for runners looking to improve their performance in high-level competitions.
Nike Vaporfly Next%.
The first version of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next were conceived as ultralight shoes designed to break records, offering an unmatched feeling of speed and energy. They feature more cushioning thanks to ZoomX foam, which provides Nike's highest energy return to date, and a carbon fiber plate that improves efficiency in every stride. Its upper is made from VaporWeave material, a breathable woven mesh that ensures a comfortable and secure fit. Redesigned laces reduce overall weight and relieve pressure on the foot, while a wider toe box offers more room and comfort in the forefoot. In addition, they incorporate flex grooves in the outsole for improved traction on a variety of surfaces and weather conditions, completing a design that combines performance and speedy style.
The Berlin Marathon 2024 will go down in history not only for its 50th anniversary and record participation, but also for the spectacular Ethiopian double and the good times achieved, although far from the Berlin race record. With four runners under 2:04 in the men's 2 and three marathoners under 2:20 in the women's, Berlin reaffirms its status as one of the fastest marathons in the world.
The battle between Nike and adidas, both on the track and in technological innovation, promises to continue to be a hot topic in the world of elite athletics.
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RegisterRace photos: RTVE Play
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