Marcel stamps his class in wheelchair event

Dubai - Switzerland's Sandra Graf won the women's event

Two days ago defending champion Rafael Botello Jimenez had almost thrown in the towel even before competing in the wheelchair event of the 2018 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon which took place on Friday.
At the press briefing the Spaniard claimed that with Marcel Hug, whom he referred to as the 'Usain Bolt' of the event, taking part for the first time, he barely stood a chance of creating an encore.
His words were so true as Marcel - the nine-time world champion and double Paralympic gold medallist - not only left Jimenez way behind but he comfortably won the race in a time of 1:25:14.
"It was a good race, but very tough as it was held early morning. However, the conditions were good and the course was very fast."
Marcel, nicknamed "Silver Bullet" said the win was a good start to the season. "Yes, it's a good start and gives me a lot of confidence for my next race in Tokyo in February and the following races in London and Boston."
The win also came as a belated birthday (January 16) gift for the 32-year-old Swiss and he was all too happy that he made the trip and also advised other paralympians to come and participate.
On whether he would be here next year, he said, "I hope to."
Japan's Hiroyuki Yamamoto (1:27:18) and Ernst vsn Dyk of South Africa (1:32:14) finished second and third respectively.
Switzerland's Sandra Graf won the women's event.
clareto@khaleejtimes.com
Wheelchair race (men)
1. Marcel Hug (SUI) 1:25:14
2. Hiroyuki Yamamoto (JAP) 1:27:18
3. Ernst van Dyk (RSA) 1:32: