Dubai: The course record in women's marathon is under threat. Two of the finest runners Askale Tafa Magarsa and Berhane Adere from Ethiopia, who had broken the course record last year, will race to better their mark again in the Dubai Marathon on January 16.
Askale set a new course record in 2007 with a timing of 2:27.19 but Berhane broke it in 2008 with a timing of 2:22.42. Though Askale did break her own course record again with a timing of 2:23.23, she could finish only third last year.
"We are keen to see a new course record for women. Magarsa and Adere are coming here with excellent preparation," remarked Ahmad Al Kamali, the General Co-ordinator of the Dubai Marathon, who ensured that both these top runners from Ethiopia compete again here.
"Both Askale and Berhane have recorded better timing in the recent marathon events and so they are sure to carry on their form here. Askale finished second in Berlin with a timing of 2:21.31 and defending champion Berhane record a time of 2:20.42 in Chicago. So both are running below the course record mark," added Kamali.
To ensure that the course is faster, the organisers have picked a new course which is faster and flat and also free of any U-turn.
"We have made sure that the ongoing construction work in Dubai does not disturb the runners in any way. The Road Transport Authority (RTA) has even willingly delayed some of their construction work on the course," he said.
Thirty-two runners from Ethiopia will compete in the Dubai Marathon this year. Adere had held the African record for 10,000m in a time of 30.04 which she set in the 2003 World Championship and even at the age of 35 she is fit and raring to go. She is a role model to the female athletes in Ethiopia for her fitness and for the glory she has brought to her country in international competitions.
Meanwhile, Askale has trained running in 40k, 30k and 35k and even jogging in the forest. She also has been running on the road to prepare for the marathon. The biggest advantage in favour of Askale is her age. She is only 24-year-old and has run in marathon from the age of 16.
