2026 Dubai Marathon: 5 TakeAways from the twenty fifth anniversary Marathon! (Plus HIghlight video)

The twenty-fifth version of the Dubai Marathon, offered by ASICS Working, was held on 1 February2026. The beginning and end, nicely recieved, have been held on the Dubai Police Academy grounds.

The climate was low humidty, and 58 F to 60 F (14C to 16 C). The wind was minimal throughout the race. Elite racing began at 5.45 AM for elites and  6:30 AM for citizen runners. plus 10k at 8 AM, and 4k at 10 AM. By 10 AM, it was sunny and 70 levels F.

Listed here are the 5 takeaways that I took from the Race Performances:

Nibret Melak’s Dominating Win! Melak had raced nicely over the half marathon distance, and he made his presence recognized round 32 kilometers and nobody went with him! His world-class time of two:04.00, confirmed by the Timing staff, was an incredible debut on the distance.
Anchinalu Dessie was working her third marathon. In Dubai, Anchinalu was meticulous, working her greatest time ever, with a nice 2:18.31, suggesting that the younger Ethiopian has a protracted profession forward of her and is a risting star.
Rwanda’s John Hakizimana’s 2:06.04 was a Rwandian Nationwide file! John’s sturdy run prevented a sweep by the Ethiopian males.
Muliye Dekebo’s very shut second place. This race is thought for tight finishes and Muliye didn’t hand over, comining inside twelve seconds of the winner Dessie. Once more, Dekebo’s efficiency showccases absolutely the loopy depth of the ladies in Ethiopian marathoning scene.
Fantu Worku, in her second marathon, had an enormous break by. In Berlin Marathon in September 2025, Fantu ran 2:21.57, a robust debut for the Ethiopian recognized for her monitor racing. In Dubai, Fantu Worku ran 2:19:08 PB, which is able to open some eyes and put three Ethiopian girls in Dubai underneath 2 hours 20 minutes for the marathon!

2026 Dubai Marathon, offered by ASICS Working, February 1, 2026, High Ten Males and Ladies, Nations of Origin, remaining official occasions. 

MEN 1, Nibret Melak, Ethiopia, 2:04:00. 2, Yasin Haji, Ethiopia, 2:05:52. 3, John Hakizimana, Rwanda, 2:06:04. 4, Molalign Fantahun, Ethiopia, 2:06:48. 5, Gizealew Ayana, Ethiopia, 2:06:48. 6, Jiregna Geleta, Ethiopia, 2:06:57. 7, Berehanu Tsega, Ethiopia, 2:07:13. 8, Gadissa Tafa, Ethiopia, 2:07:51. 9, Dechasa Alemu, Ethiopia, 2:08:21. 10, Belay Bezabeh, Ethiopia, 2:08:23.

WOMEN 1, Anchinalu Dessie, Ethiopia, 2:18:31. 2, Muliye Dekebo, Ethiopia, 2:18:43. 3, Fantu Worku, Ethiopia, 2:19:08. 4, Tiringo Mulu, Ethiopia, 2:21:12. 5, Maritu Ketema, Ethiopia, 2:21:52. 6, Askale Alemayehu, Ethiopia, 2:22:56. 7, Aberash Shilima, Ethiopia, 2:23:04. 8, Fantu Shugi, Ethiopia, 2:23:29. 9, Elifinesh Demise, Ethiopia, 2:23:30. 10, Abebech Afework, Ethiopia, 2:23:52.

Sources: Dubai Marathon Official Outcomes, Watch Athletics 2026 Outcomes

Plus, Benefit from the spotlight present, courtesy of Dubai Marathon! 

Larry Eder has had a 52-year involvement within the sport of athletics. Larry has skilled the game as an athlete, coach, journal writer, and now, journalist and blogger. His first article, on Don Bowden, America’s first sub-4 minute miler, was printed in RW in 1983. Larry has printed a number of magazines on athletics, from American Athletics to the U.S. model of Spikes journal. He at present manages the content material and advertising growth of the RunningNetwork, The Shoe Addicts, and RunBlogRun. Of RunBlogRun, his every day pilgrimage with the game, Larry says: “I’ve to confess, I like touring to far-off meets, writing concerning the sport I like, and the athletes I respect, for my readers at runblogrun.com, essentially the most of something I’ve ever achieved, besides, possibly working itself.” Additionally does some updates for BBC Sports activities at key occasions, which he actually enjoys.

Theme track: Greg Allman, ” I am no Angel.”

View all posts