Melak and Dessie Lead Ethiopian Sweep at Dubai Marathon 25th Anniversary
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If the Dubai Marathon had a soundtrack, it would surely be the Ethiopian national anthem.
Once again, March Forward Dear Mother Ethiopia echoed across the parade grounds of the Dubai Police Academy — the race’s striking new start and finish venue — as Ethiopia celebrated a double victory. Nibret Melak claimed the men’s title in exactly 2:04:00, while Anchinalu Dessie dominated the women’s race in 2:18:31.
Their wins added yet another chapter to Ethiopia’s remarkable dominance in Dubai, lifting the nation’s all-time tally to 18 men’s and 19 women’s titles in the event’s 25-year history.
Melak’s fearless debut
Melak’s performance was particularly impressive — not only because he won, but because of how he did it.
In a bold, tactical contest, an unusually large group of 20 runners passed halfway together in 62:07. The pack stayed largely intact until the final pacemaker stepped aside at 35 km, the traditional moment when hesitation creeps in and contenders wait for someone else to make the first move.
Melak had no interest in waiting.
After a controlled 3:00 36th kilometre, he unleashed a decisive surge, covering the next kilometre ten seconds faster. The move shattered the field instantly. Smooth, relaxed, and full of running, the Ethiopian looked untouchable as the gap grew with every stride.
Though fatigue crept in over the final kilometre, the damage had already been done. He crossed the line nearly two minutes clear of training partner Yasin Haji (2:05:52). Rwanda’s John Hakizimana finished a delighted third in 2:06:04, slicing 50 seconds off his national record.
“I didn’t really know what to expect in my first marathon,” Melak said afterwards through an interpreter. “My coach believed I could run 2:03, and he followed me on a bicycle to encourage me. We planned to break away at 32 km, but the pacemaker stayed until 35, so I waited.”
He then added ambitiously: “My big goal is to break the world record.”
That record — 2:00:35 by the late Kelvin Kiptum — remains a formidable target, but on this evidence, Melak’s ceiling appears frighteningly high.
Dessie’s perfect record continues
If Melak continued a tradition of debutant winners, Dessie reinforced a different one: she simply doesn’t lose.
Now three marathons into her career, she boasts three victories.
After earlier wins in Seville (2:22:17) and Beijing (2:26:08), the Ethiopian produced her fastest performance yet, slicing three and a half minutes off her personal best to clock 2:18:31.
“But this was the best because it was the fastest,” she said. “Also the hardest, because my friend was still with me two kilometres from the end.”
That friend, Muliye Dekebo, battled bravely but was forced to stop briefly with stomach trouble at 40 km. Remarkably, she recovered to finish second in 2:18:43 — still a personal best. Pre-race favourite Fantu Worku rounded out the podium in 2:19:08 after struggling through the second half.
Coach Gemedu Dedefo had extra reason to smile: he trains both winners and both runners-up. Yet he admitted he had reservations about Dessie racing again so soon after Beijing.
“She convinced me she was ready,” he said. “But I don’t want them racing again soon in the spring marathons. I prefer autumn.”
Ideal conditions, busy schedule ahead
Conditions were nearly perfect for fast times, with temperatures a cool 14°C (57°F) at the 5:45 a.m. start and barely two degrees warmer by the elite finishes — among the best weather the race has seen.
The organizers now barely have time to catch their breath. In less than two weeks, they will head north to Ras Al Khaimah to stage the RAK Half Marathon on February 14.
Dubai may be finished for 2026 — but the anthem might soon play again.
Top Men
- Nibret Melak (ETH) – 2:04:00
- Yasin Haji (ETH) – 2:05:52
- John Hakizimana (RWA) – 2:06:04
- Molalign Fantahun (ETH) – 2:06:48
- Gizealew Ayana (ETH) – 2:06:48
- Jiregna Geleta (ETH) – 2:06:57
- Berehanu Tsegu (ETH) – 2:07:13
- Gadissa Tafa (ETH) – 2:07:51
- Dechasa Alemu (ETH) – 2:08:21
- Belay Bezabeh (ETH) – 2:08:23
Top Women
- Anchinalu Dessie (ETH) – 2:18:31
- Muliye Dekebo (ETH) – 2:18:43
- Fantu Worku (ETH) – 2:19:08
- Tiringo Mulu (ETH) – 2:21:12
- Maritu Ketema (ETH) – 2:21:25
- Askale Alemaheyu (ETH) – 2:22:56
- Aberash Shilima (ETH) – 2:23:04
- Fantu Shugi (ETH) – 2:23:29
- Elifinesh Demise (ETH) – 2:23:30
- Abebech Afework (ETH) – 2:23:52
