After a three-year absence, the Dubai Marathon returned in style on 12th February 2023 producing spectacular result as Ethiopians Abdisa Tola and his sister-in-law Dera Dida took the men and women’s titles, respectively.
Making his full marathon debut, Abdisa Tola clocked a world leading time of 2:05:42, while Dera Dida achieved a personal best of 2:21:11 in fine weather conditions as the race celebrated its 22nd edition in the new setting of Expo City Dubai.
In the men’s race, a group of eleven runners led by two pacemakers reached the half-way point in 62:31. The pace was consistent, but the two fastest athletes on the start list struggled to cope as Ethiopians Abera Kuma and 2014 Dubai Marathon winner Tsegaye Mekonnen dropped back.
Once the pacemakers stepped aside it was Abdisa Tola who led a group of six runners at the 30km mark. The 22-year-old, brother of reigning World Champion and former Dubai Marathon winner Tamirat Tola, then pushed the pace at 39k, but having just opened a small gap he missed a turn and went straight on. After around 20m, Abdisa Tola realized he hadn’t followed the leading bike, turned back and quickly re-joined the three runners who had snatched the lead from him.
At a refreshment point at 40k, Abdisa Tola went off again and this time made no mistake. “The pacemakers did a great job, they really helped me,” said a delighted Abdisa Tola. “There was strong competition, but I was very well prepared.”
Following Abdisa Tola home were fellow Ethiopians Deresa Gelete and Haymanot Alew Engdayehu in 2:05:51 and 2:05:57, respectively. It was the third time in a row that the men’s race of the Dubai Marathon was won by a debutant.
Little over 15 minutes later Dera Dida completed a remarkable family double: the sister-in-law of Abdisa Tola, who is married to world champion Tamirat Tola, had taken the lead just before the 40k mark.
She left behind fellow-Ethiopians Ruti Aga, who had the fastest personal best in the field, and Siranesh Yirga who finished in second and third.
“When I took the lead, I was sure I’d win,” said 26-year-old Dera Dida, who stormed to her biggest career win in a time of 2:21:11. Ruti Aga was second in 2:21:24 and Siranesh Yirga completed yet another all-Ethiopian podium clocking 2:21:59. “It was a wonderful race and of course it was very emotional when I realized Abdisa Tola had won as well,” she added
In the wheelchair event, there was another triumph in a major marathon for Marcel Hug. The Swiss “Silver Bullet” took the event in 1:23:50 while Eden Rainbow-Cooper of Great Britain won the women’s race in 1:47:15.
All of the winners received their trophies from HE Mattar Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, HE Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, Salah Talak, Joint Chief Operating Officer Dubai Duty Free and Ahmad Al Kamali, General Coordinator of the Dubai Marathon.
The 2023 Dubai Marathon was supported by Adidas, Dubai Duty Free, NORQAIN, the Channel 4 Radio Network, Al Ameen, Masafi, the Dubai Sports Council, Dubai RTA, Dubai Police and Dubai Municipality.
Source: Dubai Marathon