Tsegaye Mekonnen made his marathon debut with a stunning win at the 2014 Dubai Marathon. As an 18-year-old at the time, he broke the unofficial world junior marathon record by over a minute and a half. Three months later he lined up at the London Marathon and finished fifth. In 2015, he did not finish his spring and fall marathons, but this year he is back in form. In January he recorded a 2:04:46 for third place at the Dubai Marathon. His half marathon personal best is 1:01:05, recorded at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in 2015. As a junior runner, he placed fifth in the 5,000m at the 2012 World Junior Championships in Barcelona.

Mekonnen says he has learned a lot from working through a tough year in 2014. “Dropping out from the Amsterdam Marathon was such a sad experience, but on the other hand it has motivated me to do well in Boston.” Mekonnen trains in Addis Ababa with the Gianni Demadonna group. “Running is my life and my passion, but I also enjoy going swimming, going to the cinema, and relaxing with my dear ones.”

“The strength and motivation I experienced in my last race will push me in Boston.” “I will give my best in Boston, always running bold.”