University: The University of Texas

Marathon / Half-Marathon / 10,000 / 5,000

2:09:38 / 1:04:49 / 28:30 / 13:32

Haftu was born in Ethiopia and moved to Tyler, TX in his early teen years. After a standout career at Tyler Lee High School, he went on to become one of the greatest distance runners in University of Texas history.  

As a Longhorn, Haftu accumulated almost a dozen All-Big 12, All-Region and All-America honors. Upon graduation in 2024, he held the school 5,000m school record (13:32) and owned the #2 10,000m time in program history (28:30). In 2022 Haftu won the Big 12 10,000m championship on the track and became the 20th NCAA cross country All-American in school history.  
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Post-collegiately, Haftu has seen instant success. In his professional debut, Haftu took 4th in the 2024 Indianapolis Monumental marathon. Later in another debut, this time at the half marathon distance, Haftu won the Austin International half in January 2025 running 1:04:49.

In his second ever marathon, Haftu ran 2:09:38 to place second in the McKirdy Micro Marathon - Road to Tokyo, on March 30, 2025. The time placed him as the 22nd fastest ever American.
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Go To Breakfast spot:  Mary's on Red River

Pump up Song:  Anbessa by Teddy Afro  ‍