Ethiopian Tigist Ketema shattered the world record for the fastest marathon debut at the Dubai Marathon 2024 on Sunday, 7 January. Ketema, a former 800m specialist, completed the race in an astounding 2:16:07, marking her as the eighth fastest woman in marathon history.
Ketema’s performance, which eclipsed the previous course record by a significant 61 seconds, is a remarkable feat given her transition from middle-distance running. Just last year, she triumphed in the Great Ethiopian Run 10 km, signaling her potential in longer distances.
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The women’s race saw a clean sweep by Ethiopian athletes, with Ruti Aga securing second place in 2:18:09 and Dera Dida finishing third in 2:19:29.
Meanwhile, in the men’s category, another Ethiopian, 19-year-old Addisu Gobena, made a stunning debut, winning in 2:05:01.
Gobena, a relative newcomer with a third-place finish at the Delhi Half Marathon to his name, led an Ethiopian sweep of the men’s podium.
Lemi Dumecha followed home in second place in the men’s race, clocking 2:05:20, while Dejane Megersa rounded out the podium, posting 2:05:42 for third place.
Ketema’s record-breaking run is a testament to her remarkable transition from a middle-distance runner to a marathon champion.
Her time, which would have set a national record just 18 months ago, places her third on Ethiopia’s all-time list, behind only world record-holder Tigist Assefa and world champion Amane Beriso.
Dubai Marathon 2024 Top 10 Results
Women Top 10
1 Tigist Ketema (ETH) 2:16:07
2 Ruti Aga (ETH) 2:18:09
3 Dera Dida (ETH) 2:19:29
4 Melat Kejeta (GER) 2:21:47
5 Amid Fozya Jemal (ETH) 2:21:53
6 Shitaye Eshete (BRN) 2:21:55
7 Atelel Anmut (ETH) 2:22:23
8 Betelihem Afenigus (ETH) 2:25:57
9 Emebet Niguse (ETH) 2:27:15
10 Nurit Shimels (ETH) 2:28:28
Men Top 10
1 Addisu Gobena (ETH) 2:05:01
2 Lemi Dumecha (ETH) 2:05:20
3 Dejane Megersa (ETH) 2:05:42
4 Abdi Fufa (ETH) 2:06:23
5 Samuel Fitwi (GER) 2:06:27
6 Antenayeh Dagnachew (ETH) 2:06:55
7 Douglas Chebii (KEN) 2:08:15
8 Tesfaye Lencho Anbesa (ETH) 2:08:25
9 Bayelign Teshager (ETH) 2:08:56
10 Abebaw Muniye (ETH) 2:09:09
For full Result
