Preview: Dubai Marathon celebrates 25 years of speed, history, and breakthrough performances

When the Dubai Marathon debuted at the turn of the 21st century, Dubai was still little more than a compact cluster of streets around the centuries-old trading hub of Dubai Creek. Fewer than 200 runners lined up for that first marathon, with only several hundred more opting for the half marathon.

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A quarter of a century later, both the city and its race have transformed dramatically. The metro now stretches toward the desert fringes, skyscrapers define the skyline, and the marathon has evolved into one of the most prominent and fastest events on the global calendar, attracting thousands across the marathon, 10K, and 4K distances.

After modest beginnings — with average winning times hovering around 2:10 for men and the mid-2:30s for women — the race took a giant leap forward in 2008. Race director Peter Connerton and partner Ahmad Al Kamali brought world record holder Haile Gebrselassie to Dubai for three consecutive appearances. His near-misses at the world record, including a first outing that slashed more than five minutes from the course mark, instantly propelled Dubai into the sport’s top echelon.

From there, the event became synonymous with breakthroughs.

In 2012, on a record-eligible course, four men ran under 2:05, ten dipped below 2:07, and 17 broke 2:10 — astonishing depth for the era. Three women clocked under 2:20. All this came before the supershoe revolution and modern fueling strategies began reshaping marathon limits.

Dubai soon developed a reputation as the ultimate stage for sensational debuts.

In 2014, 18-year-old Tsegaye Mekonnen stunned the field with a 2:04:32 victory, an unofficial world junior best. In 2018, seven men ran under 2:05 and four women under 2:20 — both unprecedented at the time. A year later, the then relatively unknown Ruth Chepngetich triumphed in 2:17:08, the third-fastest performance in history at that point. In the men’s race, debutant Getaneh Molla broke through spectacularly with a still-standing course record of 2:03:34.

Time and again, Ethiopian athletes have used what is arguably the world’s fastest marathon course — virtually flat, with only a few metres separating its highest and lowest points — as a springboard to global stardom. Remarkably, the men’s title has been claimed by marathon debutants in five consecutive editions. Two years ago, another milestone fell when Tigist Ketema captured the women’s crown in a course-record 2:16:07, an unofficial debut world best.

Several Dubai champions have gone on to even greater glory. Lelisa Desisa later became world champion, while fellow Ethiopian Tamirat Tola claimed Olympic gold in 2024. Dubai’s success has also helped inspire other major races across the region, including the Abu Dhabi Marathon and the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, now under the same management umbrella.

Sunday’s 25th anniversary edition aims to build on that legacy, even after pandemic disruptions forced two cancelled years.

“Covid affected us more than many other top marathons because we had to miss two editions,” Connerton explained. “That’s why this is our 25th anniversary now. We’re in what I’d call a period of consolidation, but we still offer top prize money — $80,000 for the winners — and our results still place us among the world’s top ten marathons.”

Conditions may once again favour fast times. Unseasonably cool weather — with temperatures forecast around 16°C at the earlier 5:45 a.m. elite start — could set the stage for another memorable morning.

Women’s favourite Fantu Worku welcomes the chill. After running 2:21:57 on debut in Berlin, she felt 25°C was “far too hot” and believes cooler air could carry her under 2:20.

Men’s contender Gadisa Birhanu, winner in Seville with a best of 2:04:59, kept his ambitions simple and direct:

“I’ve come here to win.”

And if history is any guide, Dubai may once again deliver something even faster than that.

Men – Favourites & Personal Bests

Women – Favourites & Personal Bests

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