| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Gizealew Abeje Ayana |
| Nationality | Ethiopian |
| Born | February 11, 2003 Ethiopia |
| Occupation | Long-distance runner |
| Years active | 2021–present |
| Sport | |
| Country |  Ethiopia |
| Sport | Athletics |
| Event(s) | Marathon, Half marathon |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Personal bests |
|
Gizealew Abeje Ayana (born 11 February 2003) is an Ethiopian long-distance runner who specializes in the marathon and half marathon. In his marathon debut he won the 2023 Paris Marathon.
After competing in several European half marathons in 2021 and 2022, Gizealew Ayana stepped up to the full marathon distance. He had already shown considerable promise in the half marathon, stating his ambition to break the 59-minute barrier in the event. [1]
In April 2023, at 20 years old, he entered the Paris Marathon as a debutant in a field of seasoned professionals. He stayed with the lead pack throughout the race and made a decisive move in the final stages to pull away, ultimately winning in a time of 2:07:15. [2] This impressive debut immediately established him as one of the most promising young talents in marathon running. [3] [ failed verification ]
His older brother, Tsedat Ayana, is also a marathon runner.
| Year | Competition | Location | Position | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Poznań Half Marathon | Poznań, Poland | 2nd | 1:02:14 |
| 2022 | Cardiff Half Marathon | Cardiff, Wales | 2nd | 1:00:15 |
| 2023 | Paris Marathon | Paris, France | 1st | 2:07:15 |
Gizealew Abeje Ayana of Ethiopia is aiming to run the half-marathon in under 59 minutes.
Abeje Ayana of Ethiopia was a surprise winner of the Paris Marathon on Sunday in his debut over the distance.
20 years old and you line up for your first marathon in Paris, 2023. On the start line an elite field of 25+ professional marathoners. What happened next was a masterful display of skill and quiet inner confidence as Gizealew Ayana won the race in solid 2.07.15 time.