Deratu Tulu 35, from Ethiopia went on to capture Sunday’s New York marathon to her name. It was Deratu Tulu’s first New York City Marathon. She won the title by 2:28:52 finish. Runner up was Russia’s Ludmila Petrova who finished in 02:29:00. Third slot was taken by French Christelle Daunay whose time was 02:29:16.
However the real disappointment was for Paula Radcliffe (Britain) who finished fourth with 02:29:27. Paula had been a two time winner and was favorite for the event. Paula Radcliffe has been facing health related difficulties lately. She was having bad tonsillitis as she pulled out of half marathon in England and later developed a hamstring injury while training.
She was of the view that she was confident that her injury would not be much of a problem in the Sunday’s event, however the injury posed real problems for her. She was seen limping during the race.
Deratu Tulu encouraged Paula that she can make it to a win and for a while remained with Paula to comfort her, but the injury didn’t let Paula to make it to the victory stand.
41 years old Paula was specifically asked if the problems are due to her age, however the athlete vehemently denied age as a factor.
Deartu Tulu won gold in 10,000 m races in 1992 Barcelona and 2000 Sydney Olympics. In 2004 Athens Olympics she won Bronze medal. She stood victorious in 2001 Edmonton World Championship and won Silver medal in 1995 Gothenburg.

Derartu Tulu