by Larry Eder
Berhanu celebrating his win in Dubai, 23 January 2015, photo from Race news service
Berhanu hopes for Beijing from EME news and Race News Service
DUBAI (UAE): The fresh winner here and World leader 2015B Lemi Berhanu said after the race he wants to run the World Championships marathon in Beijing: “I would never have thought that I could win this race. It was my dream to do this in Dubai one day, but not this year! With around one kilometre to go I sensed that I could succeed,” said the youngster, who had won his debut race in Zurich last year with 2:10:40. He has now improved by more than five minutes and is unbeaten in two races. “If my federation selects me then I would really like to run the marathon in the World Championships in the summer,” said Berhanu, who said he had no idea what to do with the prize money of 200,000 Dollar. “I never thought about the money. I really don’t know what I will do with it.” Women winner Aselefech Mergia said: “I told myself after having my daughter that I could win a marathon again. We used the prize money from my first two wins in Dubai [2011 and 2012] to begin building a hotel back home, now we’ll be able to complete the job.” From the Race News.
(Editor’s note: Berhanu, in his second marathon, kicked butt in the Dubai marathon. Obviously quite talented, it will be fun to see him shake it up with the World Championship crowd. Wanting to see how fast Mr. Bekele recovers from Dubai. Was a bit concerned that his Dubai, London was a bit adventuresome. )
