Huseydin Mohamed Esa has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting marathon runners of his generation, combining tactical patience, elite speed, and remarkable consistency on the world stage. Born on September 11, 2000, the Ethiopian distance runner has built his reputation through strong performances across the Abbott World Marathon Majors, becoming known as a reliable podium contender before stepping fully into the spotlight with a historic breakthrough victory in Cape Town.
On May 24, 2026, Esa delivered the defining performance of his career at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, winning in a sensational 2:04:55 and breaking the course record by more than three minutes. The run was historic beyond the result itself—it became the first sub-2:05 marathon ever recorded on a record-legal course on African soil. Running with calm control through the early stages before unleashing a decisive surge in the closing kilometres, Esa showcased the maturity and racing intelligence that have made him one of Ethiopia’s most promising marathon athletes. The victory followed an already impressive progression through Amsterdam, Tokyo, Boston, and Chicago, where he consistently proved he could compete with the very best in the world.
Still only in his mid-twenties, Huseydin Mohamed Esa represents the next generation of Ethiopian marathon excellence. His Cape Town triumph not only marked a personal breakthrough, but also became a landmark moment for African road racing, proving the continent can host truly world-class marathon performances. With elite experience, major marathon podium finishes, and now a historic course-record victory to his name, Esa has firmly established himself as one of the leading athletes to watch in global distance running.