Gashaw Melese
Determination has been the main factor behind the success of this year's Samsung Dubai Marathon winners.

Gashaw Melese Asfaw, who won the men's marathon and Leila Aman, winner of the women's race, had finished second last year.

"I was determined to do it this time after finishing the race last year at 2:10.40 but ending up in the second place," a delighted Gashaw told Gulf News. "I prepared very well for the event and I am happy at achieving my goal."

The women's champion Leila Aman Tola, kised her winner's medal and said: "Before I left last year I had decided I will come back and take the winner's medal this year. I had lost narrowly to Russia's Irina Permitina last year and so I trained hard with determination to do it."

Gashaw had aimed not to just return with the winners medal but also set a new record.

"I had prepared hard with this aim in mind. Unfortunately the weather turned out to be harsh and I could not do it. I will return again to set a new mark here," added Gashaw.

However, Leila is satisfied with what she achieved but wants to repeat the win again next year. "I love racing in Dubai and my next aim is to win it again," she said.