Hirpa and Gemechu lead Ethiopian sweep at Dubai Marathon

Bedatu Hirpa came from behind to take the women’s title at the Dubai Marathon in a huge PB of 2:18:27, while marathon debutant Bute Gemechu made it an Ethiopian double by taking the men’s title at the World Athletics Label road race in 2:04:51 on Sunday (12).

After an intriguing five-way tussle up to 25km, Dera Dida and training partner Hirpa forged a lead which was to prove unassailable for the pursers. When Dida eased away with 5km to go, it looked as though she was set to repeat her 2023 victory.

But as soon as she came into the lengthy finishing straight, she started to struggle with stomach cramps. At that stage, with less than a kilometre to run, Hirpa was still 10 seconds behind, but the 2015 world U18 1500m champion soon made up the ground and eased into the lead.

Hirpa crossed the line in 2:18:27, a substantial improvement on the PB of 2:21:09 she set in Amsterdam three months ago. Dida finished five seconds behind but was rewarded with a PB of 2:18:32. Tigist Girma, contesting her first marathon since December 2022, was third in 2:20:47.

Bute Gemechu broke away from the leading men’s group at 35km. Compatriot Shifera Tamru cut the gap to about 20 metres with two kilometres to go, but his challenge was short-lived.

Gemechu went on to win in 2:04:51, becoming the fifth Ethiopian debutant in succession to win the Dubai men’s race. Berehanu Tsegu came through for second place in 2:05:14 ahead of Tamru (2:05:28).

Ethiopian athletes filled the top 16 places in the women’s race and the first 14 positions in the men’s race.

Women1 Bedatu Hirpa (ETH) 2:18:272 Dera Dida (ETH) 2:18:323 Tigist Girma (ETH) 2:20:474 Zeineba Yimer (ETH) 2:21:125 Bertukan Welde (ETH) 2:21:546 Kuftu Tahir (ETH) 2:22:537 Gadise Mulu (ETH) 2:23:198 Almaz Kebede (ETH) 2:23:309 Kebebush Yisma (ETH) 2:24:0410 Dibabe Beyene (ETH) 2:24:38

Men1 Bute Gemechu (ETH) 2:04:512 Berehanu Tsegu (ETH) 2:05:143 Shifera Tamru (ETH) 2:05:284 Desalegn Girma (ETH) 2:06:525 Dejene Hailu (ETH) 2:07:036 Getachew Masresha (ETH) 2:07:047 Tadele Demissie (ETH) 2:08:218 Boki Diriba (ETH) 2:09:069 Embay Goitom (ETH) 2:09:0810 Yismaw Atinafu (ETH) 2:09:32

posted Sunday January 12th