Ethiopians dominate in Dubai Marathon 2024 despite fierce competition

The prominent Dubai Marathon 2024 kicked off on Sunday at 6 am in Jumeirah, luring both elite and recreational runners from across the globe looking to set personal best times. The annual marathon is a major event in the emirate and typically takes place in January.

#DubaiMarathon2024 is scheduled for Sunday, January 7, from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Know the route, and plan your trips accordingly for timely arrival at your destinations.
Via @rta_dubai@dubai_marathon#DubaiMarathon #RTADubai #Dubai pic.twitter.com/nNPxju9tPa

— Gulf Independent News (@IndependentGulf) January 6, 2024

The marathon course is a flat, fast one, making it attractive to runners holding different preferences. In addition to the marathon, the event also includes a 10K race and a 4K fun run. There are also several satellite events and even a race for families.

The Dubai Marathon is a great opportunity for runners to experience the culture and beauty of the vibrant city and to challenge themselves in a race of global importance. Ahead of the event on January 7, the Road Transports Authority had announced road closures.

Check out the #DubaiMarathon 2024 route, which will start on Sunday, January 7, from 6:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Please plan your trips and set out early to ensure a timely arrival at your destinations. #RTA pic.twitter.com/Z8uIsZ9KlR

— RTA (@rta_dubai) January 5, 2024

Ethiopians occupy eight of top 10 spots in Dubai Marathon

Ethiopian marathoners dominated the race this year, delivering record-breaking performances despite fierce competition. In the men’s category, Addisu Gobena showcased his class and endurance as he finished the race in 2:05:01, shared ‘Girmachew Kebeda‘ on X.

Debutant Addisu Gobena Aga finished first in the 23rd edition of #DubaiMarathon. #Dubai #DubaiMarathon2024 pic.twitter.com/aGcPlKnW0m

— Girmachew Kebede (@GirmachewK) January 7, 2024

Fellow Ethiopian Dumecha Lemi closely followed Gobena in the race, hitting the finish line in a remarkable 2:05:20. Their compatriot, Megersa Dejena, also put up an impressive show at the marathon, finishing the race in 2:05:42.

Fufa Abdi, another Ethiopian, secured the fourth spot, clocking 2:06:23, further emphasising the dominance of Ethiopian runners in the marathon. Runners from the country are known for their cohesive race strategies. They formed a strong unit early in the race.

Interestingly, Ethiopian marathoners occupied eight of the top 10 spots in the Dubai race this year. Fitwi Samuel from Germany is the only non-Ethiopian runner in the top five, clocking 2:06:27. Read on for the names of male runners occupying the top 10 spots.

Dubai Marathon 2024 top 10 runners (male)

1. Addisu Gobena 2:05:01

2. Dumecha Lemi 2:05:20

3. Megersa Dejena 2:05:42

4. Fufa Abdi 2:06:23

5. Fitwi Samuel 2:06:55

6. A. Dagnachew 2:06:55

7. Dauglas Chebii 2:08:15 (from Kenya)

8. Tesfaye Lencho 2:08:25

9. Teshager Baylign 2:08:56

10. Dessie Abebaw 2:09:09

The story’s much the same in the female category. Ethiopian Tigist Ketema occupied the top spot, clocking 2:16:07. Ruti Aga from the same country finished second, in 2:19:29, and defending champion Dera Dida, also an Ethiopian, came in third.

The official X account of ‘adidas‘ shared Ketema’s unofficial record-breaking debut time.

New year, same levels 📈🚀

No problems on her first ever marathon (🤯) for Tigist Ketema, who glides to a new course record 2:16:07 at @dubai_marathon. 👏🔥

Start as you mean to continue ///😎

👟 #Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 pic.twitter.com/BhxnU98T16

— adidas (@adidas) January 7, 2024