Kenenisa and Meseret named Running Times' Top Runners of The Year

Ethiopia's double-Olympic champion Kenenisa Bekele has been named Runner of The Year 2009 by Running Times (RT) magazine along with Ethiopian Meseret Defar topping the list among women runners.

RT rankings take into account all certified races 3,000m or longer, track or roads, giving the greatest weight to winning or placing in the most competitive races.

In an article subtitled Emperor Haile vs King Kenenisa, it compares the achievements of Ethiopia's two greatest athletes, Haile and Kenenisa. You would have to read from RT for the full detail which requires subscription.

In the Women's list, Meseret Defar has been named as Women Runner of The Year.
Ethiopia finished second among the Top 10 nations for runners with Kenya taking first place. Ethiopia is followed by U.S, Qatar and Spain.