Worku Bikila

Worku Bikila (born 6 May 1968) is a retired Ethiopian long-distance runner, who specialized mainly in the 5000 metres. His 10,000 metres time of 27:06.44 minutes in 1995 was the second-fastest time that year, behind Haile Gebrselassie. He represented Ethiopia at the World Championships in Athletics on three occasions (1993, 1995 and 1997). He was a two-time winner at the Zevenheuvelenloop 15,000 metres, from 1997 to 1998.

Since retiring, Bikila has put his energies into forming two companies that have brought much-needed revenue to his local community in Dukam, Ethiopia: Worku Bikila Water Well Drilling Limited performs water well monitoring, exploration, observation, and abandonment services, while Worku Bikila Hotel is a hotel for international travellers.

International Competitions

Personal bests 3000 metres – 7:42.44 min (1997) 5000 metres – 12:57.23 min (1995) 10,000 metres – 27:06.44 min (1995) Half marathon – 1:02:15 hrs (2002) Marathon – 2:11:48 hrs (2001)