Running Media Center

Mizuno Brand Ambassador Derartu Tulu Wins ING New York City Marathon

Derartu Tulu took home first place in the 2009 ING New York City Marathon. Tulu finished the race in an impressive 2:28:52, over seven seconds ahead of the second place finisher. This is Tulu's first victory at the New York City Marathon, and she is also the first Ethiopian woman to win this event.

Tulu was amongst the lead pack throughout the race, crossing the half marathon point around the 1:14:05 mark, where she appeared to be cruising along. She remained amongst the top four right until the final quarter-mile, where she grabbed her first lead and never looked back, winning the 40th New York City Marathon.

"I did not come here necessarily expecting to win," said the 37-year-old Tulu. "But I knew I could be a good competitor. I'm very happy to have won."

Tulu has a long and storied running career which includes multiple Olympic medals. She won gold medals at both the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games and the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, and a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games in the 10,000 meters, and has been competing in marathons since 1997. Tulu adds this win in New York to previous victories in the London Marathon and Tokyo Marathon in 2001. She is a fierce competitor and a tremendous athlete, and we are honored that she chooses Mizuno to perform at her very best.