Ethiopians excel in Dubai Marathon

Dubai - The race once again proved a jinx for Bekele. But, that jinx turned into a blessing in disguise for his compatriot Tamirat Tola Adere

dubai - There is always an element of surprise in any sport. Just when you expect favourites to deliver, the unexpected happens . they disappoint.
A similar incident occurred at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon. The race once again proved a jinx for Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele. But, that jinx turned into a blessing in disguise for his compatriot Tamirat Tola Adere.
The 25-year-old more than made up for his fourth finish here three years ago to set the course record with a time of 2:04:11, thus shattering Ayele Abshero's record of 2:04:23 set in 2012.
Fellow-Ethiopians Mule Wasihun and Sisay Lemma finished in second and third positions with 2:06:46 and 2:08:04 respectively.
There was an upset in the women's race as well with 26 year-old debutant Worknesh Degefa securing her biggest career win with a time of 2:22:36.
It was an all-Ethiopian podium as well. Favourite Shure Demise was second in 2:22:57 and Yebrgual Melese took third with 2:23:13.
The winners collected $200,000 each.
There was a huge Ethiopian crowd egging their runners but all eyes were on Bekele to attempt the world record. The 34-year-old, fresh from his victory in Berlin in September where he came close to breaking the world record time of 2:02:57, was surprisingly a far cry from the runner who holds the 5,000 and 10,000m records.
Bekele began to limp towards the halfway stage and before he could reach 23kms he pulled out holding his left calf. Later the news poured in that Bekele fell at the start after being tripped from behind.
One could clearly see him struggling as he began to lose pace on the leading pack. Initially Kenyans Kiprop Kiptoo and Amos Kipruto set the pace with Tola and Tsegaye Mekonnen Asefa close on their heels.
Then at the halfway stage Kipruto, Sisay Lemma Kasaye and Mark Pkorir held sway as Tola continued to push them while Mekonen dropped out of the pack.
Once they crossed the 35km mark Tola came into his own and never looked back after that.
A thrilled Tola said: "I am very happy because I participated in Dubai three years ago and I finished fourth. This year I am the winner, so I am very happy.
Tola felt if Bekele was with him he could have produced a better time.
"If Bekele was with me, I think 2:03 would have been possible."
Tola's next race is the 10,000km at the World Championship.
"My targets for the future are to run 2:03 in the marathon and create a new world record in the 10,000m. Maybe, God willing, at the upcoming World Championship, I will be able to get the 10,000m record."
On whether he could have tried for the world record in Dubai, he said, "I tried to chase the world record until the 35km, but after 35km, I started feeling a bit tired because I am not in my best shape. So, while I believe I have done a good job here, I am little disappointed. But for the future, I want to get the world record.
"I was feeling good, but I was not exactly at 100 per cent. I have been sick for the last two-three weeks, but I still managed to win here so I am really happy," he added.
Women's winner Degefa said, "Like everyone I was tired but I won the race and I am fresh.
"For the first time to win Dubai Marathon I'm very happy. Here the altitude is low compared to back home but I prepared well back home and I did it by beating some big runners which is a big thing.
"This race is too fast, especially for newcomers it's very important and very comfortable and not much turns."
Degefa plans to do some charity with the money ($200,00) by helping some poor children and also her family.
 
TOP TEN (MEN)
Tamirat Tola Adere (ETH) 2:04:11
Mule Wasihun Lakew (ETH) 2:06:46
Sisay Lemma Kasaye (ETH) 2:08:04
Sisay Jigsa (ETH) 2:08:09
Mark Pkorir Lokwanamoi (KEN) 2:08:37
Mekuant Ayenew (ETH) 2:09:23
Azmeraw Bekele Molalign (ETH) 2:10:22
Chele Dechasa Beyene (ETH) 2:10:24
Limenih Getachew Yizengaw (ETH) 2:11:16
Tsegaye Mekonnen Asefa (ETH) 2:11:54
 
TOP TEN (WOMEN)
Worknesh Degefa Debele (ETH) 2:22:36
Shure Demise Ware (ETH) 2:22:57
Yebrgual Melese Arage (ETH) 2:23:13
Tadalech Bekele Alemu (ETH) 2:24:04
Hitur Tibebu Damte (ETH) 2:25:12
Roza Dereje Bekele (ETH) 2:26:58
Shuko Genemo Wote (ETH) 2:28:16
Tigist Teshome Ayanu (ETH) 2:30:09
Megertu Ifa Geletu (ETH) 2:30:45
Anne-Mari Hyrylainen (FIN) 2:32:19