Held in the United Arab Emirates, the event has witnessed many fast-paced performances over the years
If you’re looking for a marathon PB then why not head to Dubai on Sunday 12th January.
The course records are 2:03:34 by Getene Molla and 2:16:07 by Tigist Ketema, making it one of the fastest marathons in the world.
The average men’s top 10 performance in Dubai is 2:04:02, bettered only by Berlin, Valencia, London, Tokyo and Chicago.
Dubai’s top 10 women’s times average 2:18:36, beaten only by Chicago, London, Tokyo, Valencia and Berlin.
Last year’s race was won by Addisu Gobena of Ethiopia in 2:05:01 and Ketema in a women’s course record of 2:16:0.
Tigist Ketema (Colombo)
The Gold Label race was launched in 1998 and really put itself firmly on the world marathon map in 2008 when Haile Gebrselassie won in 2:04:53 before returning to successfully defend his title in 2009 and 2010.
Then, in 2012, Ayele Abshero won his debut marathon in 2:04:23, leading four men in 2:05, an unprecedented feat at the time and long before super-shoes became popular.
Dubai Marathon (Colombo)
Past winners include Tamirat Tola, who won in 2:04:11 in 2017 before winning the world marathon title in 2022 and the Olympic crown in 2024.
Furthermore, Dubai was the first marathon in history where five men broke 2:05 in the same race. first to see seven men run under 2:05 in the same race; and the first to have three women in the same race under 2:20.
Dubai Marathon (Colombo)
Fast times and famous winners aside, the course sees you run past, among other things, the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel, one of the few hotels in the world with a 7-star rating.
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