Hiko Tonosa Haso (born 9 October 1995) is a long distance runner. Born in Ethiopia, he represents Ireland and gained citizenship in 2020. In 2024, he broke the Irish national record for the marathon.[1]

Hiko Tonosa Haso
Personal information
NationalityEthiopian, Irish
Born (1995-10-09) 9 October 1995 (age 29)
Ethiopia
Sport
SportAthletics
EventLong distance running
Achievements and titles
Personal bestsMarathon: 2:09:42 (Dublin, 2024) NR

Early and personal life

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Tonosa grew up in Ethiopia where, in 2016, he was imprisoned for attending a protest against the government. Whilst competing in Dublin in 2017 he was informed that his best friend at home had been killed for attending a protest against the persecution of the Oromo people, and was told by his family that his life was under threat if he returned home. He sought asylum in Ireland and was placed in direct provision. He gained Irish citizenship in March 2020.[2][3]

Career

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He is a member of Dundrum South Dublin AC.[4] He won national titles in 2021 over 5000 metres and 10,000 metres.[5] He competed at the 2022 European Athletics Championships in Munich in the men's 10,000 metres.[6] He competed at the 2022 European Cross Country Championships in Turin.[7]

He competed in the half marathon at the 2023 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga.[8] He competed at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome in the half marathon.[9]

He set a new national record of 2:09:42 to win the national title at the Dublin Marathon on 27 October 2024 placing 3rd overall.[10]

References

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  1. ^ "Hiko Tonosa Haso". World Athletics. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  2. ^ Dennehy, Cathal (27 October 2024). "'I know I can hold this flag. This is the one country that saved my life' – Hiko Tonosa breaks Irish record at Dublin Marathon". Independent.ie. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  3. ^ "Hiko Tonosa now proud to call Ireland home". Irish Examiner. 20 November 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  4. ^ Naughton, Lindie (28 October 2024). "Dundrum's Tonosa the star of the show as he sets new Irish record in Sunday's Dublin Marathon". Dublin Gazette. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  5. ^ Moore, Hayden (September 14, 2023). "DSD's Hiko has an opportunity to represent country at Olympics". echo.ie. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  6. ^ Ibbotson, Gary (19 September 2022). "1,500 take part in first Griffith Avenue Mile since 2019". Dublin People. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  7. ^ McDonagh, Liz (Dec 12, 2022). "Good Results at European C.C. Championships in Turin". dsdac.com. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  8. ^ "IRISH ATHLETES SET FOR THE ROADS IN RIGA". Athletics Ireland. 28 September 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  9. ^ Naughton, Lindie (10 June 2024). "Golden weekend for Ireland in Rome". Fast Running. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  10. ^ "Kenya's Moses Kemei wins Dublin Marathon as Hiko Tonosa breaks Irish record". RTE. 27 Oct 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.