Addisu Gobena Wins Gold to Take Home $80K Prize at Dubai Marathon

Instead of the general hubbub on Dubai’s Umm Suqeim Road, there was a show of athletic prowess. This Sunday was the 23rd iteration of the prestigious Dubai Marathon, which attracted runners from all over the world. Among them was an Ethiopian debutante in Dubai, whose track and field saga is full of inspiring achievements.

Addisu Gobena captured the running realm’s laudation for the first time in 2023. Running the half marathon in New Delhi, Gobena attained third place on the podium. However, with a renewed zeal for the new year, he ascended to the pinnacle of success in Dubai as he clinched gold in the event.

A dazzling debut at the Dubai Marathon

RunBlogRun congratulated Addisu Gobena for his stellar performance on the X platform. Uploading a picture of the runner in his Victor Ludorum moment, the blogger said, “Addisu Gobena wins Dubai Marathon in his debut, 2:05:02 unofficial”. Addisu Gobena’ trophy in Dubai came with a whopping $80K cheque which should bolster his motivation for the future competitions. Addisu Gobena began his run from Umm Suqeim Road near the Madinat Jumeirah and after two loops around the 42.195km course, he was the undisputed champion. The 2024 Dubai Marathon was a special occasion for the thousands of Dubai-based runners and elite participants from abroad.

Since 2020, the city has not allowed the marathon to take place in this course. For the local runners, it was a sore reminder of the loss of their favorite haunt for the annual event. Therefore, when the marathon organizers announced the return of the original course for the 2024 Dubai Marathon, it brought in more participants than before. Among the elite field were a few who raised the excitement with their incredible achievements.

The Ethiopian flag rises high

Other than Addisu Gobena, the elite field also had fellow countrymen, Lemi Dumecha and Dejene Megersa. It was a clean sweep for Ethiopia in the Dubai Marathon but the splendid twists didn’t end there. Dumecha has achieved a personal best with a run time of 2:05:20 while Megersa gave his close company in a time of 2:05:42.

Read More: WA Medalist Tigist Ketema Wins Gold Alongside Dubai Marathon Record on Debut

Among the women, once again Ethiopia swept the event, with Tigist Ketema taking the lead. She made the fastest debut ever and a course record with a time of 2:16:07. Compatriots Ruti Aga with her personal best time and Dera Dida were not far behind.

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