January 20,2017
Wins from Dubai Marathon 2017 was anticipated but who thought that this prestigious marathon event would turn out to be a clean sweep for Ethiopia, in men and women category?
Out of the first top ten in the men’s marathon, nine of them are Ethiopians. And the same is true in the case of women’s marathon.
It was Kenenisa Bekele who was highly anticipated,not Tamrat Tola, who emerged victorious in the men’s marathon. Kenenisa made it public that he intended not just to win the Dubai Marathon but also to set a new marathon record. But what happened at the Dubai Marathon is that he dropped out after 22 kilometers. He fell down shortly after the start of the race,Reuters reported. “Triple Olympic champion Bekele withdrew during the race after injuring himself in a fall shortly after the start.” [adToAppearHere]
In the men’s race, Tamrat clocked 2:04:11 for his Dubai Marathon title – which is a decent time. Yet, Tamrat does not seem to be too happy about it. “Tola said through an interpreter after the race he was a “little upset” he did not run under 2:04:00 and that he would now switch attention to winning gold in the 10,000 meters at the World Championships in London in August.” reported Reuters. Tamrat Tolla was bronze medalist in the 10,000 meteres category at the Rio Olympics.
Mule Wasihun clocked 2:06:45 to claim second top position while Sisay Lemma finished third in a time of 2:08:03.
Workenesh Degefa won the title in the women category of Dubai Marathon 2017 in a time of 2:22:35. Shure Demise finished second and Yebrgual Arage third in a time of 2:22:57 and 2:23:13 respectively.
If Tamrat was faster by about 12 seconds, he could have claimed $50,000 in bonuses which Dubai put aside in addition to $200,000 prize for winners. Yet, Tamrat’s time is still course record.
Something greater that Ethiopia could celebrate from Dubai Marathon 2017 is the overall result itself (See picture on the right side).
The legendary Haile Gebresellassie, who is now not so popular in Ethiopia for political affiliation with the ruling party,was elected president of Ethiopian Athletics Federation in November.It would be a mistake to relate Ethiopian glory at Dubai today with his presidency. What the result suggests,rather, is that there is still potential for Ethiopia to do even better and get back its Olympic prestige.
borkena Ethiopian News / sport