Athletics, News, Sponsorship July 23, 2024

2024 Dubai Marathon: A Race to Remember

2024 Dubai Marathon: A Race to Remember
This was the 23rd edition of Dubai’s prestigious Gold Label Marathon and it captivated runners and spectators alike on January the 7th, 2024. The event drew elite athletes from around the world to the vibrant cosmopolitan city of Dubai and produced a highlight littered race to remember.

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Tigist Ketema’s Record-Breaking Debut:
Ethiopian runner Tigist Ketema made an unforgettable debut, clocking an unofficial world record time of 2:16:07. Her performance left spectators in awe, as the 25-year-old dominated the course, breaking the emirate’s race record by 61 seconds to become the eighth fastest woman in marathon history. An achievement made all the more impressive when Keterna revealed her initial fears about actually being able to run the distance involved in a full marathon.

Although, after receiving the trophy from His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, she was quoted in local media, as saying, complete with a warm smile: “I was quite afraid of the distance before I ran my first marathon but now, I wonder why!”

The weather conditions were perfect on January the 7th, which also happened to be Ethiopian Christmas Day, and made for a multiple celebration, as fellow-countrywomen Ruti Aga and defending champion Dera Dida took second and third places with times of 2:18:09 and 2:19:29 respectively.

Ketema’s remarkable achievement underscores the Dubai Marathon’s reputation as a platform for both seasoned athletes and rising stars.

Teenager Addisu Gobena Storms to Victory:
Ethiopian junior Addisu Gobena swept to a superb victory to take the men’s title in his first Dubai Marathon. The 19-year-old, a former javelin thrower, clocked 2:05:01 ahead of Lemi Dumecha in second place with 2:05:20 and Dejene Megersa, who as well as making his race debut, came third in a time of 2:05:42, both runners-up also from Ethiopia.

Remarkably, becoming the men’s champion almost turned into a family affair for Gobena, as his aunt, one Ruti Aga, finished second in the women’s race. In fact, it was Aga who, two years ago, advised Gobena to abandon the javelin and take up running instead. Following a spell in training under her guidance, they soon realised that he had a natural aptitude for distance running.

An overnight marathon champion, Addisu Gobena was sure that switching from field to track was a great decision and the Ethiopian Christmas Day celebrations just got bigger.

Dubai Marathon Race Routes:
The marathon featured three categories:

42.195 km full marathon: The classic distance that challenges endurance and speed.
10 km amateurs’ race: A shorter but equally competitive option.
4 km beginners’ run: Designed for those new to running, emphasising participation and fun.

The race started and finished on Umm Suqeim Road, tracking a scenic route through Dubai’s iconic landmarks.

Global Broadcast:
The Dubai Sports Channel served as the host broadcaster, ensuring millions of viewers worldwide could witness the excitement live.

Runners, sponsors, and fans eagerly tuned in to witness the drama unfold on the streets of Dubai.

Paris Olympics Qualification:
Staged under the auspices of the Dubai Sports Council, the marathon offers a unique opportunity for distance runners, with many athletes aiming to secure early qualification for the Paris Olympics scheduled to run from July 26th to August 11th, 2024.

In the men’s section, Germany’s Samuel Fitwi came home in fifth place, shattering his personal best time in the process and guaranteeing qualification for the Olympics with 2:06:27. Fourth placed woman, fellow German Melat Kejeta, also qualified for the Paris Games, after running a tremendous time of 2:21:47.

Dubai Marathon 2024 In Summary:
The 2024 Dubai Marathon showcased athletic excellence, celebrated diversity, and left an indelible mark on the global running community. Whether elite or amateur, every participant contributed to the event’s outstanding international reputation.

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