Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Crowns Winners Of Dubai Marathon 2025 With Ethiopian Dominance

The 24th Dubai Marathon, the oldest in the region, saw H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, honour the winners. Held on Umm Suqeim Street, Jumeirah, this year's race attracted over 17,000 participants from various nationalities and ages. Elite international runners competed alongside them, making it a significant event supported by the Dubai Sports Council.

Both men's and women's races were dominated by Ethiopian athletes. In the men's category, Bute Gemechu emerged victorious with a time of 2:04.50. He was followed by fellow Ethiopians Berehanu Tsegu at 2:05.14 and Shifera Tamru at 2:05.28. The women's race also saw an Ethiopian sweep with Bedatu Hirpa winning in 2:18.27, just ahead of defending champion Dera Dida who finished in 2:18.32.

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Gemechu's victory was particularly notable as he broke away from the pack after the 35 km mark, continuing a trend where debutants have won the men's race for five consecutive years. The women's race was equally thrilling with Hirpa overtaking Dida in the final stretch to claim her biggest career win.

The marathon also featured other events like the popular 10 km Road Race and a 4 km Fun Run. Morocco's Yassir Ech Chaachoui won the men's 10 km race with a time of 28.20 minutes. In the women's category, Ethiopia's Gemene Tunku claimed victory in 31.03 minutes, narrowly beating Chaltu Diriba.

Both winners expressed their excitement about their victories and future plans. Gemechu shared his ambition to compete in bigger marathons like Boston in 2025 after his success in Dubai. "I made the decision to participate in the Dubai Marathon a long time ago," Gemechu stated.

Hirpa also looks forward to future challenges and aims to present her Dubai trophy to her coach as gratitude for believing in her potential to win this prestigious race.

The event was attended by key figures including Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General; Omar Al Falasi; Ahmed Al Kamali; Nasser Aman Al Rahma; and Peter Connerton.

Support and Sponsorship

The marathon received support from various sponsors such as adidas, Channel 4 Radio Network, ITP Media Group, XIAOMI, JETOUR, Bisleri Water, Dubai RTA, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality and SIRO One Za’abeel.

Winners received substantial prizes with both Gemechu and Hirpa taking home $80,000 each for their victories while runners-up earned $40,000 each and third-place finishers received $20,000 each.

"Because it was my first marathon," Gemechu said after receiving his cheque from H.H Sheikh Mansoor.

With inputs from WAM