One of the big themes in the Dubai Marathon over the past several years has been the continuing evolution in women’s distance running. 2019 was no exception, as Ruth Chepngetich and Worknesh Degeffa battled for over 40 kilometers, with both destroying the course record, and both setting big PBs. Ruth Chepngetich won in 2:17.08, a new course record and new PB. Two women under 2:18!
Ruth Chepngetich, 2019 Dubai Marathon, 2:17.08, photo by Giancarlo Colombo
What makes Dubai so fast? The course is fast. The pace making is good, but it is the battles between the top athletes over the final ten kilometers that take the race from good to amazing.
The depth of the women’s fields continues to impress, as do the leading performances. Ruth Chepngetich showed, with her win in Dubai, that she should be a player in any marathon championship race in the world. Chepngetich had just run 2:18.35 in Istanbul last November. She will be ready for a race in the spring.
Special thanks to The Shoe Addicts’ Mike Deering, on his production skills with the podcast and patience with aforementioned author.
Here’s our preview on the 2019 race: https://youtu.be/
And here’s our podcast on the Men’s race:
