'I will now eat better with the prize money'

Dubai: "I will now eat better with the prize money and go on to break the world record," said Askale Tafa Magarsa of Ethiopia, who won the women's marathon.

"It is my dream to break the world marathon record. I will utilise this money to realise my dream," added Askale, who won $20,000 after breaking the women's record.

William Todoo Rotich, who won the men's event, pocketed $30,000 and also won a Toyota Yaris car.

"I don't know how to drive. I am a poor man. I always love to run and so approached coach Fedricks Roger. He took me and gave me training. I finished 9th in Vienna with a timing of 2:14m last year and in May at Spain I finished fourth running at 2:11m," he said.

"I heard from Roger about Dubai and decided to participate. I trained hard for three months. I am happy at having won a marathon for the first time. I feel I could have run even faster and broke the Dubai marathon record," he added.

Rotich took up running only a year ago, but women's champion Askale has been competing for over three years.

"I am 23 years old now. I ran my first marathon when I was 20. I want to compete in the Olympics and also win many marathon events. It is my dream," said Askale who is here with her husband Tola Davali. Davali took part in the men's mara-thon but did not do well.

"I am happy my wife has done it. I am proud of her," said Davali.

Though they have been married for nearly six years, their focus on running has stopped them from having a child.

"I want to achieve my dreams. The Dubai Marathon win is just a beginning," said Askale.

Joseph Mutiso Wambuja, who finished second in the marathon, is a father of two children. He is 34 and took up running three years ago.

"I know I have started late. I was a businessman but my love for running has forced me take up running even if it is late. I am happy I have finished second," he said.