The closest marathon in history: Simbu and Petros in Tokyo in 2025

Amanal Petros and the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3: a story of overcoming adversity to reach the world podium

The men's marathon at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo was the closest ever. Tanzanian runner Alphonce Felix Simbu and German runner Amanal Petros both crossed the finish line in 2:09:48. It was only the photo finish that revealed Simbu had won by 0.03 seconds, securing Tanzania its first ever gold medal at a World Championship.

However, it was Petros' story that touched the world.

From a village without electricity to the world stage

While Petros was making history for Germany, his mother was more than 10,000 kilometres away in a village without electricity or internet access. “I haven't seen her for eight or nine years,” the runner-up confessed. Petros fled Ethiopia in 2012 without informing his family. “I didn’t tell them anything,” he said. His mother did not know where he was until he arrived in Germany.

'Winning this medal is a great step towards integration for me as a German,' said Petros. His dream now is to invite her to Germany to watch him run in person: 'I just want to show her how I run.'

Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3: technology that fuels dreams

Petros competed in the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3, the most advanced model from the German brand, which is designed for runners seeking speed, lightness and responsiveness over long distances. These trainers propelled Petros to silver and cemented their status as an elite choice for those who want to compete at the highest level.

Key features:

Nitrofoam Elite: ultra-light foam with high energy return.
PWRPLATE carbon plate: redesigned to improve propulsion and stability.
Aggressive geometry: 40 mm at the heel and 32 mm at the forefoot (8 mm drop).

A photo finish for the ages

The image of Simbu and Petros crossing the finish line in synchrony will be remembered as one of the most iconic in the history of modern athletics. Behind that photo, however, are two stories of struggle, effort, and overcoming adversity. Petros is wearing trainers that are now available at Running Emotion.