Mekides Shimeles

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Mekides Shimeles
Personal information
NationalityEthiopian
Born (2005-12-26) 26 December 2005
Ethiopia
OccupationLong-distance runner
Years active2024–present
Sport
SportAthletics
Events
Marathon, Half marathon
Achievements and titles
Personal bests
Medal record
Athletics
Representing  Ethiopia
World Athletics Label Road Races
Gold medal – first place2026 RotterdamMarathon

Mekides Shimeles (born 26 December 2005) is an Ethiopian long-distance runner who specializes in the marathon. She is best known for her course-record-breaking victory at the 2026 Rotterdam Marathon.

Career

Mekides Shimeles began competing internationally on the road circuit in 2024. In early 2025, she demonstrated her potential at longer distances by winning the City-Pier-City Loop half marathon in The Hague, clocking a personal best of 1:08:18.[1] Later that year, she made a strong marathon debut at the Amsterdam Marathon, securing a podium finish in third place with a time of 2:19:56.

In April 2026, Mekides Shimeles achieved a major career milestone at the Rotterdam Marathon. Despite a challenging moment at the 25 km mark where she had to turn back to retrieve her hydration bottle, she maintained her composure to rejoin the lead pack.[2] By the 30 km mark, she launched a solo attack, eventually winning the race in a personal best time of 2:18:56.[3] This performance broke the long-standing course record of 2:18:58, which had been held by Olympic champion Tiki Gelana since 2012.[2]

Achievements

Year Race Place Position Time
2025 City-Pier-City Loop The Hague 1st (Half marathon) 1:08:18
2025 Amsterdam Marathon Amsterdam 3rd (Marathon) 2:19:56
2026 Rotterdam Marathon Rotterdam 1st (Marathon) 2:18:56

References

  1. "Mekides SHIMELES". World Athletics. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
  2. "Rotterdam Marathon 2026: Guye Adola takes victory, Mekides Shimeles smashes the women's record". Marathons.com. April 12, 2026. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
  3. "Ethiopia's Mekides Shimeles wins 2026 Rotterdam Marathon". World-Track. April 12, 2026. Retrieved April 26, 2026.