Dennis Kimetto's comeback falls short as Ethiopians dominate Dubai Marathon

Former marathon world record holder Dennis Kimetto finished 15th in this year’s Dubai Marathon as Ethiopian athletes swept the top 14 positions.

The 40-year-old Kenyan, who became the first marathoner to break the 2:03 barrier with a time of 2:02:57 at the 2014 Berlin Marathon, was a shadow of his former self. Kimetto clocked 2:14:56 in his first marathon race in five years, a significant drop from his record-breaking form. His last competitive race before this was the 2019 Daegu International Marathon, where he failed to finish.

Ethiopia’s Bute Gemechu claimed victory with a time of 2:04:51, followed by compatriots Tsegu Berehanu (2:05:14) and Shifera Tamru (2:05:28) completing the podium. John Wanjao was the only other Kenyan to feature in the top 25, finishing 21st with a time of 2:36:32.

Gemechu’s triumph continued Ethiopia’s streak of dominance, marking the 12th consecutive victory in the men’s Dubai Marathon. The event was not held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2022 due to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The women’s race told a similar story, with Ethiopians taking the first 16 positions. Kenya’s Purity Jepchirchir, finishing 17th in 2:36:45, was the sole Kenyan in the top 25. Hirpa Bedatu won the women’s title in 2:18:27, followed by defending champion Dera Dida (2:18:32) and Tigist Girma (2:20:47).

Ethiopian dominance has raised questions about the absence of top Kenyan athletes at the event. Theories range from the lack of appearance fees to Kenyan athletes being unprepared due to holiday festivities. However, such arguments are challenged by Kenya’s early successes in the Dubai Marathon. Kenyans won the first four men’s editions starting in 2000, with Wilson Kibet securing the inaugural three titles and Joseph Kahugu adding another in 2003. From 2004 to 2007, the title alternated between Kenyan and Ethiopian runners, before Ethiopia’s Haile Gebrselassie’s three consecutive wins solidified Ethiopian dominance.

Ethiopian athletes continue to dominate at the Dubai Marathon. Badhaatu Hirpha won the women’s race while Bute Gemechu taking the men's title. The marathon saw Ethiopians securing the top 10 positions in both male and female categories. It’s recalled Tigist Ketema and Addisu… pic.twitter.com/EysQ70etmW

— Birhanu M Lenjiso (PhD) (@BMLenjiso) January 12, 2025

Kenya’s last victory in the men’s race came in 2011 through David Tumo. Since then, Ethiopian athletes, including Lelisa Desisa (2013) and Olympic champion Tamirat Tola (2017), have used the Dubai Marathon as a stepping stone to illustrious careers.

In the women’s category, Ethiopians began their reign in 2004 when Leila Aman ended Russia’s early dominance. Since then, only two non-Ethiopians have triumphed: Delillah Asiago in 2006 and Ruth Chepng’etich, the current marathon world record holder, in 2019.