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If the Dubai Marathon had a theme song, it would be the Ethiopian national anthem
Once again, “March Forward Dear Mother Ethiopia” echoed across the Dubai Police Academy start–finish area as Ethiopian runners swept both titles at the race’s 25th anniversary edition. Nibret Melakwon the men’s race in 2:04:00, and Anchinalu Dessie captured the women’s crown in 2:18:31, pushing Ethiopia’s all-time Dubai tally to 18 men’s and 19 women’s victories.
Melak’s debut was decisive and fearless.
A large pack of 20 hit halfway in 62:07 and stayed together until the final pacemaker stepped aside at 35K. As the pace stalled and contenders hesitated, Melak attacked. A 3:00 36th kilometer was followed by a surge 10 seconds faster — a move no one could match. He opened a clear gap and never looked back, finishing nearly two minutes ahead of training partner Yasin Haji (2:05:52). Rwanda’s John Hakizimana took third in 2:06:04, breaking his national record.
“I didn’t know what to expect in my first marathon,” Melak said. “My coach believed I could run 2:03. I waited for the right moment and went.”
On the women’s side, Dessie continued a perfect streak. Three marathons, three wins.
After victories in Seville and Beijing, she delivered her fastest yet in Dubai, slicing more than three minutes off her best. She battled compatriot Muliye Dekebo deep into the race before pulling away late. Dekebo rallied for second in 2:18:43, while Fantu Worku finished third in 2:19:08.
Conditions helped: 14°C (57°F) at the start, among the coolest in race history.
For Ethiopia, it was simply another chapter in a story that keeps repeating — strength, patience, and a well-timed surge when it matters most.
Results
Men
1. Nibret Melak (ETH) – 2:04:00
2. Yasin Haji (ETH) – 2:05:52
3. John Hakizimana (RWA) – 2:06:04
4. Molalign Fantahun (ETH) – 2:06:48
5. Gizealew Ayana (ETH) – 2:06:48
6. Jiregna Geleta (ETH) – 2:06:57
7. Berehanu Tsegu (ETH) – 2:07:13
8. Gadissa Tafa (ETH) – 2:07:51
9. Dechasa Alemu (ETH) – 2:08:21
10. Belay Bezabeh (ETH) – 2:08:23
Women
1. Anchinalu Dessie (ETH) – 2:18:31
2. Muliye Dekebo (ETH) – 2:18:43
3. Fantu Worku (ETH) – 2:19:08
4. Tiringo Mulu (ETH) – 2:21:12
5. Maritu Ketema (ETH) – 2:21:25
6. Askale Alemaheyu (ETH) – 2:22:56
7. Aberash Shilima (ETH) – 2:23:04
8. Fantu Shugi (ETH) – 2:23:29
9. Elifinesh Demise (ETH) – 2:23:30
10. Abebech Afework (ETH) – 2:23:52
by Race News Service
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