The start on Sheikh Zayed road was abuzz with excitement that the drizzle could not surpress when the runners set off on the 26mile 385 yard course. The run was to take them to the UAE flag near the creek and back again to a finish in Media City. Mass participation seemed to be the order of the day at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon. There was a very cosmopolitan feel to the race runners from many nations but sadly few from the UAE.
Despite a mid-race burst by pre-race favourite Eliud Kiptanui, it was Kenyan David Baramasai who triumphed a world class field to win the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon. He was in front for a long time and said: "once I was clear it was ultimately about focussing on the clock to remain in front". There was bad news for his rivals as he felt: "without the strong wind I could easily have taken another minute off my time".
The 23 year-old remains undefeated at the classic distance having crossed the line in 2h:07m:18s to land a cheque for $250,000 – the biggest in distance running – by just under a minute from runner-up and fellow Kenyan Evans Cheruiyot (2:08:17). Third home for the second year running in 2:08:54 was Ethiopian Eshetu Wendimu with Kiptanui pulling out in the latter stages.
In the women’s marathon, Ethiopian Asselefech Medessa gave herself an early birthday present of a cool $250,000 by winning in a time of 2h:22m:45s, just three seconds outside of the course record. Medessa, who turns 26 tomorrow (Sunday), won by 16 seconds from Lydia Cheromei of Kenya with Sweden’s Isabella Anderson in third.
They were presented with their prizes by Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. The good news they were coming back to defend their titles next year was seen as a triumph for the race but it will be interesting to see how Baramasai will fair against Haile Gabrisallasi who is on the comeback trail.
There were 10km and 3km races also taking place alongside the main race and there was a very good spirit amongst all the participants. For the UAE it was an historic day in the women’s 10km with two national team athletes completing a memorable 1-2 finish. Betihem Belayneh Deslagn was first home in 33m:07s
During the race itself for those not participating there was plenty to see and do for the fans waiting at the finish. The impressive Dubai Police Band entertained many with their bagpipes. There was fervent support from the Ethiopians who really love their distance running because they are very good at it.
V. Shankar, CEO, Middle East, Africa, the Americas and Europe for Standard Chartered was delighted with how the race had gone saying "what a wonderful day and such an excellent race".
I cannot wait for next year to see Barasai take on the imperious Gabrisalassie in what looks like being an amazing race.
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