Ketema stuns with 2:16:07 marathon debut in Dubai

Ethiopia’s Tigist Ketema made a stunning debut over the classic distance to win the Dubai Marathon in 2:16:07 on Sunday (7). Compatriot Addisu Gobena, another marathon debutant and just 19 years of age, won the men’s race at the World Athletics Label road race in 2:05:01.

Running on Dubai’s renowned super flat course that mainly stretches on Jumeirah Beach Road, Ketema smashed the course record by more than a minute. The 25-year-old, who had previously been an 800m specialist and had never competed at any distance farther than 10km, now moves to eighth on the world all-time list.

Just 18 months ago, her time would have also been an Ethiopian record, but she now sits third on her country’s all-time list behind world record-holder Tigist Assefa and world champion Amane Beriso.

Fellow Ethiopians Ruti Aga and defending champion Dera Dida took second and third places with 2:18:09 and 2:19:29 respectively. Fourth-placed German Melat Kejeta, returning from a maternity break, ran 2:21:47.

Gobena led an Ethiopian sweep of the podium in the men’s race. Prior to today, Gobena’s only known performance was a third-place finish at the Delhi Half Marathon three months ago, but the U20 athlete made a name for himself by winning in Dubai in 2:05:01.

Compatriots Lemi Dumecha and Dejene Megersa, another debutant, followed in second and third spots with 2:05:20 and 2:05:42.

posted Sunday January 7th