Merima Denboba  Merima Denboba (born 21 August 1974 in Arsi) is an Ethiopian former long-distance runner, who specialized in the 5000 metres and cross-country running. Denboba won the 2003 Oeiras International Cross Country, beating two-time champion Leah Malot in the process. She also won the Cross Internacional de Itálica that year, and returned for a second victory in 2004. Medina now coaches the track and field team of Seattle Preparatory School