DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Ethiopia's Askale Magarsa
broke the Dubai Marathon women's record on Friday and Kenya's
William Rotich won the men's title.
Askale, the pre-race favorite, shattered Albina Ivanova's
five-year old record by more than six minutes, winning in 2 hours,
27 minutes, 19 seconds -- 38 seconds faster than her previous best
time.
It was a clean sweep for Ethiopia in the women's race. Abebe Eda
was second in 2:35:39 and Adanech Jemilu took third in 2:39:28.
"I am very happy, but I also think I could have gone a lot
quicker, the weather was just perfect," said Askale, who received
$30,00 for the win. "My aim is to break the world record and to
compete for my country at the Olympics in Beijing."
Kenya swept the men's race which Rotich won in 2:09:53. Joseph
Wambua of Kenya was second in 2:10:34, with Musa Ruta Kanda third
in 2:10:40.
Defending champion Joseph Ngeny finished more than two minutes
quicker than last year but settled for fifth place.
"It's a great result for me. I made the move about 35
kilometers into the race and managed to get away from the others,"
Rotich said.
More than 650 participants took part in the marathon, which went
along Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Road and past the glitzy Burj Al Arab
hotel.