Deba takes second place in marathon

Buzunesh Deba’s coral and black racing bib was branded with the number 106 and the abbreviation BUZU for the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday.  

 In Amharic, the language of Ms. Deba’s native Ethiopia, the phrase BUZU means, “a lot.” 

It is difficult to think of a more appropriate moniker for a marathon runner whose sport and existence is so often centered on extremes. 

For the past several weeks, Ms. Deba has received a lot of publicity, particularly in the world of long distance running.  The 5-foot-3, 105-pound woman, who emigrated from Ethiopia six years ago and settled in Kingsbridge Heights, was suddenly the hope of New York City. 

With 12 marathons triumphs, including recent wins in Los Angeles and San Diego, many believed that Ms. Deba could be the first resident to don Gotham’s crown of leaves since the race went to its five-borough format in 1976.  

She ended up finishing in second place, the spot she occupied for virtually the entire race. 

She came in behind fellow Ethiopian Firehiwot Dado, with the countrywomen crossing Central Park’s finish line only three seconds apart in the second-closest finish in New York City marathon history. 

This is Ms. Deba’s third prominent showing at the ING New York City Marathon. She finished seventh in 2009 and tenth in 2010. Her second place finish this year earned her $65,000. 

Though driven to win the race, Ms. Deba appeared genuinely happy for Ms. Dado and overwhelmed with her own bounty.

 Ms. Deba and her husband Worku Beyi are very devout and she thanked God for her success. She also thanked all of “the New York people.” 

She used the word “tough” to describe the torturous 26.2 mile race and expressed her gratitude.

“And I finished [in] second place, So I’m so happy,” she said.

Mile beaters 

The most prominent symbol of Ms. Buzu’s abundance of spirit is her penchant for running marathons and dedication to training, which keeps her coming up a winner.