Desisa wins Dubai 2013

Lelisa Desisa wins Dubai 2013

Lelisa Desisa wins Dubai as five men break 2:05

Running his debut Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa won the 14th Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon with a world-class time of 2:04:45. In a tight finish, five men broke 2:05 for the first time in marathon history. All five were still in contention for victory and the 200,000 US Dollar first prize with one kilometre to go.

In a thrilling sprint finish 23 year-old Lelisa Desisa took the honours and established himself in 13th position in the world alltime list. Another Ethiopian debutant Andualem Belay Shiferaw took second with 2:04:48, followed by his fellow countrymen Tadesse Tola (2:04:49) and Endeshaw Negesse (2:04:52). Running his debut Kenya’s Bernard Koech finished fifth with 2:04:53.

In good running conditions – due to fog it did not get too warm in the final part of the race – Ethiopia’s runners completed a total triumph, taking the first three places in the women’s race as well. 28 year-old Tirfi Tsegaye secured the 200,000 Dollar prize with a time of 2:23:23. Ehitu Kiros was second in 2:23:39, followed by Amane Gobena (2:23:50).