Running News Daily

The streets of Dubai became a true arena of endurance and excellence as the 2026 Dubai Marathon unfolded under punishing heat and humidity. In conditions that demanded not only physical strength but also tactical intelligence, the world-class field delivered a performance worthy of one of the globe’s most respected road races, turning adversity into a showcase of resilience and elite competition.

In the men’s marathon, Ethiopia’s Nibret Melak emerged as the undisputed star of the day. Calm, calculated, and commanding, Melak controlled the race from the early stages before asserting his dominance when it mattered most, crossing the finish line in a brilliant 2:04:00. It was a performance defined by patience and precision, sealing a memorable victory on Dubai’s demanding course. Fellow Ethiopian Yasin Haji followed with a strong and consistent run to take second place in 2:05:52, while Rwanda’s John Hakizimana produced a courageous display to secure third in 2:06:04, earning a landmark podium finish for his nation.

The depth of competition was evident throughout the top ten, with Ethiopian athletes filling much of the leading pack in a tightly contested race where margins were razor thin. Molalign Fantahun and Gizealew Ayana finished together in 2:06:48, closely followed by Jiregna Geleta, Berehanu Tseku, Gadissa Tafa, Dechasa Alemu, and Belay Bezabeh, all of whom battled relentlessly through the oppressive conditions to deliver high-quality performances.

The women’s marathon matched the intensity of the men’s race and added a powerful chapter to the day’s narrative. Ethiopia swept the podium in commanding fashion, led by Anchinalu Dessie, who claimed victory in 2:18:31 after executing a perfectly balanced race that combined control with decisive strength in the latter stages. Muliye Dekebo kept the pressure on throughout, finishing a close second in 2:18:42 following a determined and disciplined pursuit. Completing the clean sweep was Fantu Worku, whose resilience carried her to third place in 2:19:08, rounding out an all-Ethiopian podium that highlighted the nation’s enduring dominance in the marathon.

Beyond the podium, the scale of Ethiopia’s dominance in the women’s race was extraordinary. Ethiopian runners occupied all positions in the top ten, a complete sweep that underscored the nation’s unmatched depth, preparation, and tactical awareness in women’s marathon running. From the front to the chasing pack, the consistency of pace and composure under extreme conditions painted a clear picture of a system producing excellence at every level.

As the final runners crossed the line, Dubai Marathon 2026 stood as a celebration of grit, strategy, and world-class athleticism. In extreme conditions, champions rose, national pride was on full display, and the global running community witnessed performances that reaffirmed Dubai’s place among the elite events on the international marathon calendar.