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. 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. By the 30 km mark, she launched a solo attack, eventually winning the race in a personal best time of 2:18:56. This performance broke the long-standing course record of 2:18:58, which had been held by Olympic champion Tiki Gelana since 2012.
Achievements YearRacePlacePositionTime2025City-Pier-City LoopThe Hague1st (Half marathon)1:08:182025Amsterdam MarathonAmsterdam3rd (Marathon)2:19:562026Rotterdam MarathonRotterdam1st (Marathon)2:18:56
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