Worku Bikila
Worku Bikila 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. 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.
Personal bests
- 3000 metres – 7:42.44 min
- 5000 metres – 12:57.23 min
- 10,000 metres – 27:06.44 min
- Half marathon – 1:02:15 hrs
- Marathon – 2:11:48 hrs