by Deji Ogeyingbo
Hirpa and Gemechu Shine as Ethiopia Rules the 2025 Dubai Marathon
Ethiopian runners dominated the 2025 Dubai Marathon on Sunday, sweeping the podium in men’s and women’s races. Bedatu Hirpa and Bute Gemechu led the charge, delivering standout performances that underscored Ethiopia’s distance running prowess.
In the women’s race, Hirpa pulled off a dramatic victory. The 25-year-old surged to the front in the final meters, clocking a massive Personal Best of 2:18:27. Her win wasn’t easy. For much of the race, it appeared her training partner, Dera Dida, would claim back-to-back titles after her 2023 triumph.
The race began with a tight pack of five runners pushing through 25 kilometers. Hirpa and Dida then made their move, breaking away from the rest. Dida, looking strong, pulled ahead with 5 kilometers to go. But in the long finishing straight, she faltered. Stomach cramps slowed her pace, and Hirpa capitalized. Trailing by 10 seconds with less than a kilometer to run, Hirpa found another gear. She closed the gap and passed Dida just before the line.
Hirpa’s winning time was a significant improvement on her previous best of 2:21:09, set in Amsterdam just three months ago. Dida finished five seconds behind, also setting a personal best of 2:18:32. Tigist Girma, making her return to marathon racing after a year’s hiatus, placed third in 2:20:47.
The men’s race was equally thrilling. Bute Gemechu, making his marathon debut, surged ahead at the 35-kilometer mark. The 23-year-old pulled away from a strong field, running solo for the final stretch. Shifera Tamru, who tried to reel him in with 2 kilometers to go, came within 20 meters but couldn’t sustain the effort.
Gemechu crossed the line in 2:04:51, securing Ethiopia’s fifth consecutive win by a debutant in the Dubai men’s race. Berehanu Tsegu finished second in 2:05:14, while Tamru held on for third in 2:05:28. Ethiopia’s dominance was complete, with its athletes claiming the top 14 spots in the men’s race.
The women’s event mirrored this success, with Ethiopian runners occupying the first 16 places. Hirpa’s victory was particularly sweet, given the caliber of her rivals. Dida, the wife of reigning Olympic marathon champion Tamirat Tola, had looked poised for another win until her late struggles.
“I didn’t expect to win today, but I stayed focused,” Hirpa said after the race. “When I saw Dida slowing, I knew I had a chance. I’m so happy with this result.”
Gemechu, too, was ecstatic. His win marked a stunning start to his marathon career, following his victory in the Guizhou Zhenning Huangguoshu Half Marathon last June. “It’s a dream come true to win my first marathon,” he said. “The pace was tough, but I felt strong in the final kilometers.”
The Dubai Marathon has long been a stage for Ethiopian excellence, and 2025 was no exception. The fast, flat course and ideal weather conditions provided the perfect backdrop for another chapter of dominance. The race continues to attract top talent, offering a generous prize purse and the opportunity to post world-class times.
Kenya’s Dennis Kimetto, a former world record holder, was the first non-Ethiopian finisher in the men’s race. Now 41, Kimetto placed 15th, far from his prime but still showing resilience.
Ethiopia’s marathon depth remains unmatched. From grassroots development to elite coaching, the country’s running system consistently produces world-class athletes. The Dubai Marathon’s results only reinforce this reputation.
For Hirpa and Gemechu, these wins are stepping stones to even bigger goals. Both expressed aspirations to compete in major international marathons and championship events. With their performances in Dubai, they have firmly placed themselves on the global radar.
The 2025 Dubai Marathon wasn’t just a showcase of speed; it was a masterclass in strategy and mental toughness. Hirpa’s late surge and Gemechu’s decisive breakaway highlighted the importance of timing and composure under pressure. As the sun set on another successful edition of the race, one thing was clear: Ethiopia’s distance runners are in a league of their own, continuing to inspire and dominate.
