by Deji Ogeyingbo
Dubai Marathon delivers again as Ethiopia owns the anniversary stage
If familiarity can feel ceremonial, then the finish area at the Dubai Marathon once again sounded like home for Ethiopian distance running. On the race’s 25th anniversary, the East African powerhouse claimed both senior titles and stamped authority across both fields. It reminded the global marathon circuit why this event has so often belonged to them.
The men’s race unfolded patiently before turning decisive in the hands of Nibret Melak. Making his marathon debut, Melak ran with the composure of someone who understood exactly when his moment would arrive.
A large lead pack of around 20 runners passed halfway together in 62:07, a familiar Dubai pattern where patience rules the early kilometres. Even as the final pacemaker stayed in place until 35 kilometres, Melak remained relaxed, content to read the race rather than rush it. When the assistance finally stepped aside, the race entered its real phase, and Melak showed no hesitation.
His surge through the mid-30s kilometres carried clarity. A controlled three-minute kilometre followed by one run ten seconds faster immediately shifted the balance. The field later stretched as the intent was unmistakable. Melak moved smoothly, upright, and confident, creating separation that grew with every stride. The final kilometres belonged to him.
He crossed the line in 2:04:00, nearly two minutes clear of his closest challenger, becoming the sixth Ethiopian debutant to win the Dubai Marathon. His training partner Yasin Haji followed for silver in 2:05:52, while John Hakizimana claimed third in 2:06:04, a national record run achieved with grit and visible emotion.
Melak spoke afterward with ambition that felt grounded rather than bold. Winning on debut had always been his goal, and of course, bigger dreams followed naturally. Dubai has long rewarded runners who arrive prepared and unafraid to race. Melak fit that lineage perfectly.
Anchinalu Dessie dominated the women’s race as she emerged victorious in 2:18:31, completing a remarkable run of three marathon starts and three wins.
From early on, the pace felt purposeful. A small lead group established control, with Muliye Dekebo pressing the tempo confidently deep into the race. With just over two kilometres remaining, the race changed shape as Dessie surged clear, capitalizing on her strength and composure at the crucial moment.
Dessie’s time represented a dramatic leap forward, nearly four minutes faster than her previous personal best. The finish reflected an athlete who understands how to win. Her earlier victories in Seville and Beijing already suggested consistency. Dubai confirmed growth.
Dekebo rallied admirably to secure second place in 2:18:43, also a personal best, while Fantu Worku completed an all-Ethiopian podium in 2:19:08, achieving another lifetime best through persistence.
Dessie’s post-race words were understated and confident. She welcomed the personal best and acknowledged more progress ahead. She’s had three victories in her last three marathons, with each one faster than the last. No doubt, Dubai added weight to her trajectory.
This anniversary edition reinforced what the Dubai Marathon has become. A race that rewards patience and a course that invites speed from some of the very best runners. An event where Ethiopian excellence has found repeated expression. With these latest victories, Ethiopia’s tally now stands at 18 men’s wins and 19 women’s wins in Dubai, numbers that reflect decades of connection between runner and course.
Conditions played their part, with cool temperatures hovering around 14 degrees Celsius at the start and rising only slightly by the elite finish. The setting allowed ambition to breathe and plans to unfold without interruption.
