Matolo reigns supreme in first Emirates International Marathon

Benjamin Matolo Mutua of Kenya won the first Emirates Civilization International Marathon held yesterday at Dubai's Al Mamzar Park. Matolo took 2.23.32 hours to complete a distance of 42.192 kilometre.

The triumph enabled the Kenyan to take home a new car, trophy and cash prize of $3,000, presented by marathon patron Maj Gen Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief of Police and UAE Athletics Association Chairman.

Ukranian Rima Dubovik, winner in the women's category, also received a car, trophy and $3,000. Rima clocked 2.51.35 hours for the same distance.
The marathon started from Al Mamzar park at 7.55am. More then 30 international runners from Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Sudan, Romania, Ukraine, France, Turkey, Greece and Poland took part.

The race, which was run on the streets of Dubai, firstly went past Hayat Regency, then Al Khaeej street to the Clock round about, Al Maktoum bridge, Falcon round about, Al Mina street, Al Dhayafa street, Al Mankhool, Abu Bakr Al Seddiqe, back to Al Khaleej street, Al Wehaida street, Al Shabab Club and culminated at the starting point, Al Mamzar park.

The South African Lefu Moses was leading for most part of the race without any real threat. However, after 35 kilometres the Kenyans, who are more experienced in long distance races, came into prominence.

Benjamin Matolo, who shot into the lead in the last seven kilometres, never looked back until the finish line. South African, Lefu Moses, finished second and received $2,000 and a trophy, while another Kenyan, Wilton Shuma, took the third place and received $1,500 and a trophy.

In the women's category, a pack of four runners from Ukraine, Tanzania, Turkey and GBR were running close to each other until Tanzanian, Banuella Marashan, broke into the lead at the middle of the race, and was in front till the last 500 metres. However, Ukranian, Rima Dubovik, snatched the lead, after surpassing her, to cross the line first.
The Tanzanian lost the second place too, to Nuray Surekli of Turkey, who also went past her to clinch the second place and $2,000 and a trophy. Marashan had to settle for the third place and $1,500.

In the 10 km race for amateurs, Ahmed Saeed Hasan came first in 28.45 minutes, Mohammed Sheikh Abdo was second in 37.02 min followed by Saeed Suliman third in 37.37 min.
In the three kilometre race for children Abdullah Ibrahim of Hatta Club came first in the boys' category in 12.04 min, Abdullah Abdullattif of Dubai Police was second in 12.09 min, while Ali Naser of Hatta club finished third in 12.43 minutes.
In the girls' section, Sadaf Sindi of India came first in 17.35, Rabeea Sindi was second in 25.35 min, and Sumayia Sindi came third in 33.27 minutes.