Kenenisa Bekele is widely regarded as one of the greatest long-distance runners in history.
With an impressive collection of Olympic medals, world championships, and world records, Bekele has left an indelible mark on the sport of athletics.
In this article, you will learn about Kenenisa Bekele’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Kenenisa Bekele’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kenenisa Bekele Beyecha |
| Date of Birth | June 13, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Near Bekoji, Oromiya, Ethiopia |
| Nationality | Ethiopian |
| Height | 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) |
| Weight | 56 kg (123 lbs) |
| Spouse | Danawit Gebregziabher |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Completed 9th grade |
| Languages | Oromo, Amharic, English |
Early Career
Kenenisa Bekele’s journey in athletics began in school, where he discovered his talent for running.
In 1999, he placed ninth in the junior race at the World Cross-country Championships and won a silver medal in the 3,000 meters at the IAAF World Youth Championships.
His breakthrough came in 2001 when he claimed the World Junior Cross Country title and set a world junior record for 3000m.
Professional Career
Bekele’s professional career took off in 2002 when he became the first man to win both the long and short races at the World Cross Country Championships.
His Olympic success began in Athens 2004, where he won gold in the 10,000m and silver in the 5000m.
In Beijing in 2008, he achieved the coveted 5000m-10,000m double gold. Bekele’s career also saw him break world records in both 5000m and 10,000m, which stood for over 15 years.
In recent years, he has transitioned to marathon running, achieving remarkable success with a personal best of 2:01:41 in Berlin 2019.
Wife
Kenenisa Bekele is married to Danawit Gebregziabher, an Ethiopian actress. The couple tied the knot in 2007 and has been blessed with 3 children.
Bekele’s marriage to Danawit came after a personal tragedy in 2005 when his former fiancée, Alem Techale, passed away during a training session.
Despite this setback, Bekele found love again and has built a family with Danawit.
Kenenisa Bekele’s Net Worth Details
Kenenisa Bekele’s net worth is estimated to be $6.625 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Race Winnings | $5-7 million |
| Appearance Fees | $2-3 million |
| Endorsements | $10-15 million |
| Total Career Earnings | $17-25 million |
Endorsements
Bekele has secured several lucrative endorsement deals throughout his career, including:
- Nike (long-term sponsorship deal)
- NN Group (title sponsor of his running team)
- Hyundai (brand ambassador in Ethiopia)
- Vaporfly and Alphafly (shoe endorsements)
Career Stats
| Event | Time/Distance | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5000m | 12:37.35 (former WR) | May 31, 2004 | Hengelo, Netherlands |
| 10,000m | 26:17.53 (former WR) | August 26, 2005 | Brussels, Belgium |
| 2000m Indoor | 4:49.99 (WR) | February 17, 2007 | Birmingham, UK |
| 5000m Indoor | 12:49.60 (WR) | February 20, 2004 | Birmingham, UK |
| Marathon | 2:01:41 (2nd fastest all-time) | September 29, 2019 | Berlin, Germany |
FAQs
1. Who is Kenenisa Bekele?
Kenenisa Bekele is an Ethiopian long-distance runner widely regarded as one of the greatest in history. He has won three Olympic gold medals, 16 world titles, and held world records in the 5,000m and 10,000m for nearly 15 years. He also transitioned successfully to marathons later in his career.
2. What are Kenenisa Bekele’s major achievements in running?
Bekele’s achievements include three Olympic gold medals (2004 and 2008), 16 world titles, and holding world records in the 5,000m and 10,000m from 2004 to 2020. He is also the most successful runner in World Cross Country Championships history with six long-course and five short-course titles.
3. What is Kenenisa Bekele’s fastest marathon time?
Bekele’s fastest marathon time is 2:01:41, achieved at the Berlin Marathon in 2019. This performance ranks as the third-fastest marathon time ever recorded, just two seconds behind Eliud Kipchoge’s world record at that time.
4. How did Kenenisa Bekele start his running career?
Bekele began running during his school years in Ethiopia, inspired by Haile Gebrselassie. After winning a provincial cross-country title in 1998, he joined the Mugher Cement Factory team coached by Tolosa Kotu, which marked the start of his professional journey.
5. What challenges has Kenenisa Bekele faced during his career?
Bekele has struggled with recurring injuries throughout his career, including Achilles tendon issues and knee problems. These setbacks impacted his marathon performances but did not deter him from setting records and competing at elite levels.
6. What are Kenenisa Bekele’s Olympic accomplishments?
Bekele won gold in the 10,000m at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and golds in both the 5,000m and 10,000m at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. He also earned a silver medal in the 5,000m at Athens.
7. What business ventures does Kenenisa Bekele have outside running?
Bekele owns a hotel (Kenenisa Hotel) and a training track in Sululta, Ethiopia. He also manages commercial construction projects in Addis Ababa and Arsi regions, showcasing his entrepreneurial side alongside his athletic career.
8. What is Kenenisa Bekele’s family background?
Bekele is married to Ethiopian actress Danawit Gebregziabher and has three children. He is the second of six siblings, with his younger brother Tariku Bekele also being a world-class distance runner.
9. What records did Kenenisa Bekele set in cross-country running?
Bekele achieved an unprecedented feat by winning both long-course (12km) and short-course (4km) titles at the World Cross Country Championships multiple times between 2002 and 2006. He holds the record for most career wins in this championship’s history.
10. What recent milestone has Kenenisa Bekele achieved?
Bekele set a new masters world record at the Valencia Marathon with a time of 2:04:19, breaking the previous record by nearly a minute. This accomplishment highlights his enduring competitiveness even at age 41.
