Ethiopian Athletes Dominate Dubai Marathon
Ethiopian runners showcased their prowess at the Dubai Marathon on Sunday, securing top honors in both the men’s and women’s races. Debutant Nibret Melak claimed victory in the men’s event, crossing the finish line in two hours and four minutes. He finished nearly two minutes ahead of fellow Ethiopian Yasin Haji, who earned silver, while Rwanda’s John Hakizimana took third place.
Men’s Race Highlights
Melak, who previously won gold in the 10,000-meter event at the 2023 African Games, marked his marathon debut with a triumphant performance. This victory makes him the sixth Ethiopian runner to win the Dubai Marathon on their first attempt. Reflecting on his achievement, Melak stated, “It was always my goal to win on my debut… my big goal in the future is to break the world record.”
Women’s Race Thriller
In the women’s category, Anchinalu Dessie surged to gold with a time of two hours, 18 minutes, and 31 seconds, improving her personal best by nearly four minutes. The win came after compatriot Muliye Dekebo, who had led for much of the race, encountered stomach issues just over two kilometers from the finish. Dekebo held on for second place, with Fantu Worku rounding out the podium in third, completing an Ethiopian sweep.
Dessie’s success marks her third consecutive marathon victory, following triumphs in Seville and Beijing last year. She expressed optimism about her future, saying, “It’s nice to run a personal best, but I think I can even run faster in the future.”
The event highlighted the enduring strength of Ethiopian distance runners on the international stage, drawing crowds and underscoring the marathon’s prestige.
