Dubai Marathon attracts topnotch runners again

Dubai: Ethiopians have struggled as hard as any people with wars and famine in the last century, but when it comes to marathon running their spirit has shone brighter than any other.

In the tradition of Abebe Bikila, the Ethiopian who set a world record in 1960 running barefoot, a host of the world's best African runners will contest the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon this Friday against the best of the rest.

In what is quickly shaping as the Middle East's most prestigious marathon, a fierce battle for a share in the $150,000 (Dh550,950) prize money is expected.

The prospect of a break from the northern winter has enticed more than 600 runners for this marathon, up from barely 150 six years ago.

Race director Peter Connerton said the race would be fast and flat and held in "perfect running conditions".

"We've made a move in the right direction this year, with two sub-2.08 men, plus we'll have the largest and strongest field ever assembled," said Connerton. The course record is owned by Kenya's Joseph Kahugu who ran 2.09.33 in 2003, but the fastest man in the field this Friday will be Titus Munji.

Munji clocked 2.06.15 when he finished third in the Berlin marathon in 2003.

Usisivu Boniface Muia ran 2.07.51 for fourth in Berlin the previous year, and he has the best form following a 2.08.42 victory in Eindhoven last autumn.

Dejene Guta is another Ethiopian that cannot be forgotten as he disposed of several stars to win in 2.10.49 last year.

In the women's event, Ethiopia's Diribe Hunde returns to defend her title against Delia Asiago of Kenya, whom she beat in the final straight last year in 2.39.08.

Both women will have to improve substantially to threaten the course record of Albina Ivanova of Russia, who clocked 2.33.31 in 2002.

The action starts this Friday with the marathon at 7am and runners can register up until 4pm today at Hall 7 in the Dubai World Trade Centre.