- Ethiopian long-distance runner Senbere Teferi is infamously known as the track legend who missed out on a hefty cash prize
- She was a few steps away from successfully defending her Peachtree Road Race crown held annually in Atlanta, Georgia
- But, a slight error in judgment left her $7,000 poorer
Ethiopian long-distance runner Senbere Teferi is infamously known as the track legend who missed out on a hefty cash prize over a wrong turn at the finishing line of a 10,000km marathon in the US.
This was in July 2023 and it leaves her with a salty taste when she slightly thinks about it. Teferi, was by all indications a few steps away from successfully defending her Peachtree Road Race crown held annually in Atlanta, Georgia.
But, a direction error just a few metres to cross the finish line denied her not just money but also a chance to successfully defend her 2022 victory. She won the marathon the previous year and all she wanted was to defend her title.
She took the lead as the first three runners in the women’s elite class of the Peachtree Road event on July 4. All eyes were on her and she successfully kept the hype wrapped all around her.
HOW DID SENBERE TEFERI MISS THE TURN?
The Ethiopian long-distance legend trailed the lead vehicle as she maintained a healthy lead. However, this lead vehicle ran off the road by making a right turn with only a few meters left to the finishing line. Obliviously, Teferi followed it hoping to make it to the crossing line.
Ethiopian Long-distance runner Senbere Teferi. Photo/FirstSportz
Unfortunately, she lost the race because of the error and gave Fotyen Tesfay a head start to cross the finish line before her. Tesfay was behind Teferi all through the marathon and the wrong turn gave her a new lease of success. She finished in 30 minutes, 43 seconds while Teferi came in third place, four seconds after Tesfay.
HOW MUCH DID SENBERE TEFERI LOSE?
Teferi lost out on a huge amount of prize money amounting to $10,000 which went to Tesfay who won the race. She walked home with a $3,000 cash prize designated for the third winner while the first runners-up took home $5,000.
Speaking after the race, Teferi said the outcome of the race was the most upsetting thing she ever dealt with. What hurts her most is the fact that she finished third yet she was in the lead all for 10,000km.
CNN quotes her translator saying: “I saw the finish line. At first I thought they didn’t really show us that well yesterday where the finish was. But after I saw that car turn, I saw the finish sign in front of me, so I pushed ahead. But I was really upset because I really planned to stick with Senbere at the finish.”
ABOUT THE PEACHTREE ROAD RACE
The Peachtree Road Race attracts about 50,000 participants and 2023 marked its 54th edition. It is the world’s largest 10,000km race. Historically, the first race was held in 1970 with only 500 competitors. It gained a lot of traction rapidly, and by 1976, it had more than 10,000 participants and now it is one of the most popular road races in the world. Its popularity grows every year.
The Peachtree Road Race. Photo/11 Alive.com
The Peachtree Road Race is a difficult yet worthwhile event. The course has several hills, including Cardiac Hill, which is notoriously difficult for both elite and novice runners. There are some elevation changes on the route, including uphill and downhill stretches. This impacts how well you manage these elevation variations, particularly for inexperienced runners.
In addition, the quite hot and humid conditions in Atlanta every July puts a strain on athletes who fail to adapt to the hot weather conditions. However, the race has a fun and encouraging atmosphere, and many runners claim it is one of the most memorable races they have ever participated in. Partly due to its festive atmosphere and large crowds which is a motivating factor for some people.
On the flip side, such crowds become challenging for some people to handle especially introverted athletes who prefer a quieter and less crowded running environment. Additionally, the Peachtree Road Race is a significant charity raiser. The competition raised over $1 million in 2023 for the Kilometer Kids program run by the Atlanta Track Club. These funds go towards running scholarships to needy children.
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