Hirpa and Gemechu Shine – 2025 Dubai Marathon
Ethiopian runners dominated the 2025 Dubai Marathon on Sunday, taking the podium in the men’s and women’s races, with Bedatu Hirpa and Bute Gemechu leading the charge with standout performances that highlighted Ethiopia’s long-distance prowess.
In the women’s race, Hirpa took the lead in the final meters with a personal best of 2:18:27 claimed back-to-back titles after his victory.
The race started with 25 kilometers to go. Hirpa and Dida then pulled away from the rest. Looking strong, he faltered on the long finishing straight, and Hirpa capitalized wrote.Following for 10 seconds while running less than a kilometer, Hirpa found another gear.” He closed the gap and passed Dida just ahead of the line.
Hirpa’s winning time was a significant improvement on his previous best of 2:21:09, set in Amsterdam just three months ago.Dida finished five seconds behind a personal best of 2:18:32 after the break, is in third place with a score of 2:20:47.
The men’s race was just as exciting. Bute Gemechu, making his marathon debut, took the lead at the 35-kilometer mark. The 23-year-old went solo for the final stage, with Shifera Tamru closing in on him with 2 kilometers to go. on the meter but could not sustain the effort.
Gemechu crossed the line in 2:04:51 to secure Ethiopia’s fifth consecutive men’s race debut.Berehanu Tsegu finished second in 2:05:14 and Tamru finished third in 2:05:28.Ethiopia’s dominance was complete athletes claimed the top 14 in the men’s race places.
The women’s event reflected this success, with Ethiopian runners finishing in the top 16. Hirpa’s victory was especially sweet given the caliber of her competitors. The reigning Olympic marathon champion, Dida, was poised for another win before her final bouts.
“I didn’t expect to win today, but I stayed focused,” Hirpa said after the race. “When I saw Dida slow down, I knew I had a chance. I’m so happy with this result.”
Gamechu was also delighted. His win marked a stunning start to his marathon career, following his win at the Guizhou Zhengying Huangguoshu Half Marathon last June. “It’s a dream come true,” he said. “The pace was tough, but I felt strong in the last few kilometers.”
The Dubai Marathon has long been a platform of excellence for Ethiopia, and 2025 was no exception. The fast, smooth course and ideal weather conditions provided the perfect backdrop for another chapter of dominance. The race continues to attract top talent, offering a generous prize purse and the opportunity to post world-class times.
Kenyan Dennis Kimetto, a former world record holder, was the first non-Ethiopian finisher in the men’s race.Kimetto, now 41, finished 15th, far from his prime, but still showing resilience.
Ethiopia’s marathon depth remains unmatched.From grassroots development to elite training, the country’s running system consistently produces world-class athletes.The results of the Dubai Marathon only reinforce this reputation.
For Hirpa and Gemechu, these victories are stepping stones to bigger goals, and both expressed their desire to compete in major international marathons and championships. Their performance in Dubai put them firmly on the global radar.
The 2025 Dubai Marathon was not just a show of speed. it was a masterclass in strategy and mental toughness. Hirpa’s late surge and Gemechu’s decisive break highlighted the importance of timing and composure under pressure. As the sun set on another successful edition of the race, one thing was clear. Ethiopia’s distance runners are in a league of their own and continue to inspire and dominate.
