Talk about having no fear of the marathon. An unheralded 18-year-old with a 62:53 PR at 13.1 went out on world record pace and ended up with a dominant 2:04:32 victory as a Ethiopian debutant won in 2:04 for the 3rd straight year. Wow.
Talk about having no fear of the marathon. An unheralded 18-year-old with a 62:53 PR at 13.1 went out on world record pace and ended up with a dominant 2:04:32 victory as a Ethiopian debutant won in 2:04 for the 3rd straight year. Wow.
(updated) This was certainly an upset as Seboka, until recently, was a journeywoman. But no longer. In the 30th marathon of her career - yes, 30th - thanks to a strong surge at 35k which broke the pack, she defeated the #2 10,000 runner in history, Meselech Melkamu, and finished off a 71:20 2nd half. 2011 NYC champ Firehiwot Dado was third.
(updated) This was certainly an upset as Seboka, until recently, was a journeywoman. But no longer. In the 30th marathon of her career - yes, 30th - thanks to a strong surge at 35k which broke the pack, she defeated the #2 10,000 runner in history, Meselech Melkamu, and finished off a 71:20 2nd half. 2011 NYC champ Firehiwot Dado was third.
Talk about having no fear of the marathon. An unheralded 18-year-old with a 62:53 PR at 13.1 went out on world record pace and ended up with a dominant 2:04:32 victory as a Ethiopian debutant won in 2:04 for the 3rd straight year. Wow.
They might break 20,000 entries for all the races for the first time
The anti-doping remarks for Aouita, who once held world records from 1500 through 5000, struck us as funny since he was sacked as Australian coach for allegedly trying to dope runners.
The unofficial seventh Major, with the biggest prize in marathoning ($200,000), is Thursday night. The men's race features six sub-2:07 performers, whereas the women's race has three sub-2:22 performers and 7 sub-2:24 performers, but most eyes might be on debut performers Atsedu Tsegay (Ethiopian half record holder - 58:47 PR), and Abera Kuma (13:00/26:52).
The two 2:21 Ethiopians lead a field of 9 sub-2:24 women including 2010 Dubai champ Mamitu Daska, 2011 NYC champ Firehiwot Dado, and Masters runner Berhane Adere (2:20 PR).
After nearly a year away from with an ankle injury, the 22-year old who was running just 13:54 at World Juniors in 2010 will be hoping to run 2:04 in Dubai.
Just two days ago, we wondered when the super-hot Ethiopian 13.1 record holder Tsegay would make his debut (he did turn 22 this week afterall) and now we have our answer. An Ethiopian making his debut has won Dubai each of the last two years (Ayele Abshero2:04:23 in 2012,  Lelisa Desisa 2:04:45 last year).
The first big marathon of 2014 will be on January 24th.
Dubai has the most prize money in the sport. $200,000 for the winners.