By: Yasmin Helal
“Ethiopians are the fastest runners in the world,” my Ethiopian friends would tell me as I rolled my eyes.
Now, I can no longer roll my eyes to my friend’s comments. Not after the Ethiopian runner, Haile Gebrselassie, won the Dubai''s Standard Charter marathon on Friday morning for the third time in a raw. And definitely not after the female Ethiopian runner, Mamitsu Daska Molisa, won the women’s race.
However, having finished the 10 km race in 2 hr 6 min 9 sec, Gebrselassie missed the world record by just a little over two minutes. The 36 year old runner blamed it on a stiff back that he acquired from the previous night. Kenya’s Chala Dechase Beyene followed him in the second place and other Ethiopian contestant, Eshmetu Wendimu Tsige, finished third.
Mamitsu Daska Molisa wrapped the women’s race in 2 hr 24 min 18 sec. 8 seconds later, runner Aberu Kebede Shewaye took over second place.
The good news is anyone can register and compete. Registration is usually through the internet and there are no minimal requirements. It must be a great spirit running amongst such a big crowd, all heading towards one destination, one goal. However, preperation for joining a marathon can take up to a year. So, if you want to join next year''s marathon, I suggest you start training now. There are running clubs in Dubai that organize group runs, which could be very helpful for beginners. For more information about such organizations as well as running tracks around Dubai, log on www.run.com/city.asp?loc=Dubai+AE and www.dubai-road-runners.com.
The Dubai marathon, which is 42.195 km, started at 6:30 am outside of Rotana Arjaan Hotel Apartments, running along Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road, turning at Union House beside the big flag and returning along the same route finishing outside Dubai Media City Amphitheater. Also, the marathon included the Road Race, 10 km, starting at 6:45 am and the Fun Run, 3 km, starting at 11:00 am. The temperature was mild ranging between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. Entertainment and performances were provided at the start/finish area throughout the day.
