The stage is set for the 24th Dubai Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, January 12, 2025. This prestigious event, organized by the distinguished Dubai Sports Council, will see elite runners from around the globe compete in what is known as the Middle East’s oldest and fastest international marathon.
Star-Studded Line-Up
The men’s elite field boasts former world marathon champion Lelisa Desisa and former marathon world record holder Dennis Kimetto. Desisa, who won the Dubai Marathon in 2013, has since claimed victories at the Boston and New York Marathons, as well as the World Marathon Championship in Doha in 2019. Kimetto, with his impressive personal best of 2:02:57 set in Berlin, is also a three-time winner of major city marathons in Chicago, Tokyo, and Berlin.
In the women’s elite category, Tigist Girma, winner of the 2022 Sydney Marathon, leads the pack with a personal best of 2:18:52. She will be challenged by Zeineba Yimer, the 2023 Barcelona Marathon winner, and Dera Dida, the 2023 Dubai Marathon champion, both with personal bests under 2:20.
Global Stars Supporting the Event
Adding to the excitement, former British world record holder Paula Radcliffe will be providing expert commentary for the race, bringing her wealth of experience and passion for marathons to the event. Radcliffe, who has been a prominent figure in marathon running, continues to inspire runners worldwide with her dedication to the sport.
Another notable participant is Richard Whitehead MBE, a Paralympic gold medallist and diversity champion. Whitehead has announced that he will be running 20 marathons in 2025, starting with the Dubai Marathon. His inspiring journey and commitment to raising awareness for Sarcoma UK and Scope charities have made him a beloved figure in the running community
Road Closures and Preparations
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced major road closures and extended Metro service hours to accommodate the marathon. The race will start at 6am and is expected to conclude by 1 PM, with road closures beginning at midnight. Residents and participants are advised to plan their routes in advance to avoid delays.
Emerging Talents
While the spotlight is on established athletes, the Dubai Marathon is also known for nurturing new talent. Last year’s race saw a new course record set by Tigist Ketema, who made her marathon debut with a time of 2:16:07. The big question remains, will we see a World record being broken and by who.
Community and Camaraderie
Ali Omar Al Balooshi, Director of Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council, emphasized the importance of the marathon to the city and expressed delight at the participation of so many established athletes. The event not only showcases elite performance but also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among runners of all levels.
The 24th Dubai Marathon promises to be an exciting and memorable event, with elite runners aiming for new records and emerging talents ready to make their mark. Stay tuned for more updates as the race day approaches!
