2026 Dubai Marathon. Five milestones from the 25th Anniversary Marathon. (plus video highlights)

It The twenty-fifth edition of the Dubai Marathon, presented by ASICS Running, held on February 1, 2026. The start and finish, well received, were held on the grounds of the Dubai Police Academy.

The weather was low humidity and 58 F to 60 F (14C to 16 C). Wind was minimal during the run. The elite race started at 5.45am for the elites and 6.30am for the citizen runners. plus 10k at 8am and 4k at 10am. As of 10 AM, it was sunny and 70 degrees F.

Here are five tips I took from Race Performances:

1. Nibret Melak’s dominant victory. Melak had run the half-marathon distance well and he made his presence known for about 32 kilometers and no one went with him. Her world-class time of 2:04.00, confirmed by the Timing Team, was an amazing debut over the distance.
2. Anchinalu Dessier was running his third marathon. In Dubai, Anchinalu was meticulous, clocking her best ever time of a fine 2:18.31, suggesting the young Ethiopian has a long career ahead of her and is a star on the rise.
3. of Rwanda John Hakizimana’s 2:06.04 was a Rwandan national record. John’s strong running prevented a sweep by the Ethiopian men.
4. A very close second to Muliye Dekebo. This race is known for tight finishes and Moulier did not give up, finishing within twelve seconds of the winner Desi. Again, Dekebo’s performance shows the absolute insane depth of women in the Ethiopian marathon scene.
5. Fantu Worku, In his second marathon, he had a big breakthrough. Fantu ran 2:21.57 at the Berlin Marathon in September 2025, a strong debut for the Ethiopian, who is known for his athleticism. In Dubai, Fantu Worku ran a PB of 2:19:08, which will open some eyes and push three Ethiopian women to a sub 2hr 20min marathon in Dubai.

2026 Dubai Marathon presented by ASICS Running February 1, 2026 Men’s and Women’s Top Ten, Countries of Origin, Latest Official Times.

MEN 1, Nibret Melak, Ethiopia, 2:04:00. 2, Yasin Haji, Ethiopia, 2:05:5 3, John Hakizimana, 2:06:04. 4, Molalign Fantahun, Ethiopia, 2:06:4 5, Gizealew Ayana, Ethiopia, 2:06:4 6, Geleta Life, Ethiopia, 2:06:5 7, Brother Laughter, Ethiopia, 2:07:1 8, Gadissa Tafa, Ethiopia, Gadissa Tafa, 2:06,4. Ethiopia, 2:08:2 10, Belai Bezabeh, Ethiopia, 2:08:23.

WOMEN 1, Anchinalu Dessie, Ethiopia, 2:18:3 2, Muliye Dekebo, Ethiopia, 2:18:4 3, Fantu Worku, Ethiopia, 2:19:0 4, Mulu Trials, Ethiopia, 2:21:1 5, Maritu Ketema 2:5,2. Alemayehu, Ethiopia, 2:22:56. 7, Aberash Shilima, Ethiopia, 2:23:0 8, Fantu Shugi, Ethiopia, 2:23:2 9, Eliphinesh Demize, Ethiopia, 2:23:30. 10, Abebech Afework, Ethiopia, 2:23:5

Sources: Official results of the Dubai Marathon, View Athletics 2026 results