Ethiopian Tigist Ketema wins the women's race in the Dubai Marathon 2024. DUBAI MEDIA OFFICE

Ethiopian Tigist Ketema clocked an unofficial women’s world record debut time at the Dubai Marathon on Sunday (January 7), finishing with a time of 2:16:07.

On the race route that stretched mainly on Jumeirah Beach Road, the 25 year-old Ethiopian became the eighth fastest women in marathon history. Ketema also smashed the Dubai course record, improving the mark by 61 seconds.

Fellow Ethiopians Ruti Aga and defending champion Dera Dida took second and third places with 2:18:09 and 2:19:29 respectively. Fourth placed German Melat Kejeta ran 2:21:47 and qualified for the Olympic Games

In the men’s event, there was a unique double debutants’ triumph as 19 year-old Addisu Gobena stormed to victory in 2:05:01 to secure the winners’ trophy.

Fellow Ethiopians Lemi Dumecha and Dejene Megersa, another debutant, followed in second and third spots in 2:05:20 and 2:05:42 respectively. Fifth placed German Samuel Fitwi smashed his personal best and also qualified for the Olympic Games with 2:06:27.

The historic race returned this year after a four-year gap since the 2020 pandemic. The Dubai Marathon route spanned 42.19km starting from Umm Suqeim Road. This year’s marathon also included the wheelchair marathon, the 10km Road Race and the 4km Fun Run. The marathon took place from 6am until 1pm. ICA/Expat Media

In pictures

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