Amanal Petros - From Refugee to Record-Breaker, Eyes Set on London Marathon Glory
German marathon record-holder Amanal Petros is preparing for a significant milestone in his athletic career as he sets his sights on the 2025 London Marathon, scheduled for April 27, 2025. This event will mark his inaugural participation in the London Marathon, where he will compete alongside an elite field featuring renowned athletes such as Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele. Petros’s personal best of 2:04:58, achieved at the 2023 Berlin Marathon, positions him as a formidable contender in this prestigious race.
A Journey of Resilience and Achievement
Born on May 17, 1995, in Assab, Eritrea, Petros’s early life was marked by adversity. At the age of two, his family fled the Eritrean-Ethiopian conflict, seeking refuge in Ethiopia. In 2012, as a teenager, Petros embarked on a journey to Germany, where he sought asylum and eventually acquired citizenship in 2015. It was in Germany that he discovered his passion and talent for long-distance running, setting the stage for a series of remarkable achievements.
Record-Breaking Performances
Petros’s dedication and perseverance have led to several national records:
• Marathon: German national record of 2:04:58, set at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.
• Half Marathon: National record of 1:00:09, achieved in Valencia on October 24, 2021.
• 10 km Road Race: National record of 27:32, set in Castellón, Spain, on February 26, 2023.
International Representation
Petros has proudly represented Germany on the international stage:
• Olympic Games: Competed in the men’s marathon at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, finishing 30th.
• European Championships: Secured a silver medal in the team marathon event and placed fourth individually at the 2022 European Athletics Championships in Munich.
Recent Preparations and Professional Milestones
In preparation for the London Marathon, Petros participated in the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelonaon February 16, 2025, completing the half marathon in 1:01:51. Reflecting on his performance, he stated:
“Today I ran quite far from my German record, but I am happy to run my first competition in 61:50 after the Olympic Games in Paris. Looking forward to my first marathon in London 2025.”
In addition to his athletic endeavors, Petros has recently joined the Puma Running Team, expressing enthusiasm about this new partnership and the opportunities it presents for the upcoming seasons.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 London Marathon approaches, the running community eagerly anticipates Petros’s performance. His journey from a refugee seeking asylum to a national record-holder exemplifies resilience and determination. With his eyes set on London, Petros continues to inspire and set new benchmarks in long-distance running.
The last photo
The gesture Amanal Petros is making in this photo — crossing his arms above his head — is a powerful and symbolic act. He does not do this gesture often but his beliefs have not changed.
This “X” gesture has been widely recognized as a sign of solidarity with the Tigray people in northern Ethiopia. It’s used by athletes and others to bring attention to the humanitarian crisis and conflict in the region, where countless civilians have suffered due to war, famine, and displacement.
Petros, who was born in Eritrea and whose roots are in Tigray, is using this moment at the finish line to make a public statement of support and raise awareness.
posted Sunday March 30th
by Boris Baron