The Dubai Marathon is served again as Ethiopia belongs to the Jubilee stage
If the acquaintance can feel solemn, then finish the area Dubai Marathon sounded like a house number once again Ethiopian long distance running. In the race’s 25th anniversary, the East African powerhouse claimed both senior titles and prestige in both disciplines. It reminded the world marathon circuit why this event so often belongs to them.
The men’s race played out patiently before going decisively in the hands Nibret Melak. Making his marathon debut, Melak ran with the poise of someone who knew exactly when his moment would come.
A large pack of about 20 runners crossed the halfway point in 62:07, A familiar Dubai pattern where patience rules in the early kilometres. Even when the last pacesetter stayed put until 35 kilometers to go, Melak stayed calm, content to read the race rather than rush it. When help was finally pulled aside, the race entered its true phase, and Melak did not hesitate.
His flight in the mid-30s brought clarity to the kilometres. A manageable three-minute mile followed by one run ten seconds faster immediately shifted the balance. Later, the field tightened because the intent was unmistakable. Melak moved smoothly, straight and confident, creating separation that grew with every step. The last kilometers belonged to him.
He crossed the line inside 2:04:00, Almost two minutes clear of his nearest rival to become the sixth Ethiopian debutant in the Dubai Marathon. His training partner Yasin Haji followed for silver 2:05:52, meanwhile John Hakizimana took third place 2:06:04, a national record run achieved with convulsions and visible emotion.
plant then spoke with an ambition that was more grounded than daring. Winning on debut was always his aim and of course bigger dreams followed naturally. Dubai has long rewarded runners who arrive ready and unafraid to run. Melak fit that radius perfectly.
Anchinalu Dessier Dominated the women’s race as she cruised to victory in 2:18:31 to complete a remarkable run of three marathon starts and three wins.
The pace seemed on target from early on. A small leading group established control with which Moulie Dequebo confidently pressing the pace into the race. With just over two kilometers to go, the race changed shape as Desi came clear, using his strength and composure at the crucial moment.
Desi time was almost a leap forward four minutes faster than his previous personal best. The finish reflected an athlete who understands how to win. His earlier victories in Seville and Beijing already suggested consistency. Dubai confirmed the increase.
Dekebo Pulled together brilliantly to take second place 2:18:43, also a personal best, while Fantu Worku: graduated from the Ethiopian Department 2:19:08to achieve the best in life through perseverance.
Desi’s words after the race were understated and confident. He welcomed the personal best results and admitted there was more to come. He has won three of his last three marathons, each faster than the last. Undoubtedly, Dubai added weight to his trajectory.
This anniversary edition cemented what the Dubai Marathon has become. A race that rewards patience and a race that challenges some of the best runners. An event where Ethiopian excellence found repeated expression. With these recent victories, The Ethiopian national team now has 18 wins for men and 19 for women in Dubai.numbers that reflect decades of connection between the runner and the course.
The conditions played their part, with chilly temperatures hovering around 14 degrees Celsius at the start and rising slightly near the elite finish. The setting allowed ambition to breathe and plans without interruption.
