By Gina Gomez
Nov. 2, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Ethiopian marathon athlete Derartu Tulu has won the New York City marathon 2009 (in the women’s front), which was held on Sunday morning. She created history by winning the 26.2 miles marathon, as she is the first Ethiopian women to ever win the event. The New York City marathon is an extremely popular event that is organized every year and athletes from a number of countries participate in it.

The 37 year old has once again shown that she has not lost her competitive edge as she defeated Russian Ludmila Petrova by just 8 seconds, as she finished her run in 2 hours, 28 minutes and 52 seconds. Derartu seemed the eventual winner of the marathon as Paula Radcliffe trailed back around the 22 mile mark, complaining of a leg injury. Radcliffe is a two time defending champion, who ultimately managed to grab the fourth spot. Interestingly, Derartu had declined to participate in the 2004 New York marathon because of Radcliffe, who was the world record holder then. Reportedly, at that point of time there was immense rivalry between the two athletes.

Derartu is one of the most accomplished long distance marathon athletes in Ethiopia. She has also won Olympic gold medals, running the marathon in the year 1992 and again in the 2000 Olympics. Her 1992 victory was considered to be immensely pertinent, as it symbolized the end of Apartheid on the tracks. The event also showcased her remarkable speed and endurance, which ultimately enabled her to taste victory. The last time that she had won a significant marathon event was in the year 2001, in the London marathon.