Dubai Marathon 2026: Nibret Melak, Anchinalu Dessie win big

Plus, highlights from the annual run

Last updated:
2 MIN READ
Nibret Melak (Men) and Anchinalu Dessie (women) both from Ethiopia winners of the 25th anniversary edition of the Dubai Marathon
Nibret Melak (Men) and Anchinalu Dessie (women) both from Ethiopia winners of the 25th anniversary edition of the Dubai Marathon
Ahmad Alotbi/Gulf News

Dubai Marathon's 25th turn today saw a huge turnout. Both winners came from Ethiopia.

Dubai Marathon 2026 offered runners of all stamina a way to participate. There was the full marathon (42.2 km) for the ultimate test of endurance, or the half-marathon (21.1 km) for a challenging yet achievable distance. For those who prefer a shorter run, the 10 km race provided a great way to get involved. And the 4 km fun run was perfect for families and those just starting out.

Here's a look at some highlights from the run.

The early morning start
The early morning start
The early morning start
An excited contestant
Crowd cheers for participants at the 25th anniversary edition of the Dubai marathon.
Crowd cheering for participants at the 25th anniversary edition of the Dubai marathon.
A participant cools himself down after finishing the 25th anniversary edition of the Dubai Marathon.
Anchinalu Dessie!
Nibret Melak wins!
Karishma Nandkeolyar is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist with a lifelong love for storytelling — she wrote her first “book” at age six and has been chasing the next sentence ever since. Known for her sharp wit, thoughtful takes, and ability to find the humor in just about anything, she covers everything from celebrity culture and internet trends to everyday lifestyle moments that make you go, “Same.” Her work blends insight with a conversational tone that feels like catching up with your cleverest friend — if your friend also had a deadline and a latte in hand. Off-duty, Karishma is a proud dog mom who fully believes her pup has a personality worth documenting, and yes, she does narrate those inner monologues out loud. Whether she’s writing features, curating content, or crafting the perfect headline, Karishma brings curiosity, creativity, and just the right amount of sarcasm to the mix.

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