by Larry Eder
The twenty-fifth edition of the Dubai Marathon, presented by ASICS Running, was held on 1 February2026. The start and finish, well recieved, were held at the Dubai Police Academy grounds.
The weather was low humidty, and 58 F to 60 F (14C to 16 C). The wind was minimal during the race. Elite racing started at 5.45 AM for elites and 6:30 AM for citizen runners. plus 10k at 8 AM, and 4k at 10 AM. By 10 AM, it was sunny and 70 degrees F.
Here are the five takeaways that I took from the Race Performances:
- Nibret Melak’s Dominating Win! Melak had raced well over the half marathon distance, and he made his presence known around 32 kilometers and no one went with him! His world-class time of 2:04.00, confirmed by the Timing team, was an amazing debut at the distance.
- Anchinalu Dessie was running her third marathon. In Dubai, Anchinalu was meticulous, running her best time ever, with a fine 2:18.31, suggesting that the young Ethiopian has a long career ahead of her and is a risting star.
- Rwanda’s John Hakizimana’s 2:06.04 was a Rwandian National record! John’s strong run prevented a sweep by the Ethiopian men.
- Muliye Dekebo’s very close second place. This race is known for tight finishes and Muliye did not give up, comining within twelve seconds of the winner Dessie. Again, Dekebo’s performance showccases the absolute crazy depth of the women in Ethiopian marathoning scene.
- Fantu Worku, in her second marathon, had a big break through. In Berlin Marathon in September 2025, Fantu ran 2:21.57, a strong debut for the Ethiopian known for her track racing. In Dubai, Fantu Worku ran 2:19:08 PB, which will open some eyes and put three Ethiopian women in Dubai under 2 hours 20 minutes for the marathon!
2026 Dubai Marathon, presented by ASICS Running, February 1, 2026, Top Ten Men and Women, Countries of Origin, final official times.
MEN 1, Nibret Melak, Ethiopia, 2:04:00. 2, Yasin Haji, Ethiopia, 2:05:52. 3, John Hakizimana, Rwanda, 2:06:04. 4, Molalign Fantahun, Ethiopia, 2:06:48. 5, Gizealew Ayana, Ethiopia, 2:06:48. 6, Jiregna Geleta, Ethiopia, 2:06:57. 7, Berehanu Tsega, Ethiopia, 2:07:13. 8, Gadissa Tafa, Ethiopia, 2:07:51. 9, Dechasa Alemu, Ethiopia, 2:08:21. 10, Belay Bezabeh, Ethiopia, 2:08:23.
WOMEN 1, Anchinalu Dessie, Ethiopia, 2:18:31. 2, Muliye Dekebo, Ethiopia, 2:18:43. 3, Fantu Worku, Ethiopia, 2:19:08. 4, Tiringo Mulu, Ethiopia, 2:21:12. 5, Maritu Ketema, Ethiopia, 2:21:52. 6, Askale Alemayehu, Ethiopia, 2:22:56. 7, Aberash Shilima, Ethiopia, 2:23:04. 8, Fantu Shugi, Ethiopia, 2:23:29. 9, Elifinesh Demise, Ethiopia, 2:23:30. 10, Abebech Afework, Ethiopia, 2:23:52.
Sources: Dubai Marathon Official Results, Watch Athletics 2026 Results
Plus, Enjoy the highlight show, courtesy of Dubai Marathon!
