Ethiopian teenager Tsegaye Mekonnen Asefa is determined to return to the Dubai Marathon and claim the world record, as well as eclipsing national hero Haile Gebrselassie.
For the third year running an Ethiopian debutant took the top spot with 18-year-old Mekonnen crossing the line in 02:04:32 in his first full marathon.
Asefa came in just nine seconds later than the course record but beat out compatriots Markos Geneti and Girmay Birhanu as he blew away the field, running the last 10 kilometres by himself, winning by a healthy 39 seconds.
A world record didn’t fall as hoped, although the pace for half of the race was in line, but Mekonnen did break the junior world record while running the 11th fastest run of all time in his first ever marathon.
Gebrselassie holds the national record with his 2:03:59 at the 2008 Berlin Marathon but Kenya’s Wilson Kipsang set the world record at the same race last year with a remarkable 2:03:23.
Despite his dominance, Mekonnen is convinced he could have done better.
“This is my first marathon and I pushed from 15km, I knew I had the talent to go 02:04 and I thought I needed a good time,” said the Ethiopian.
“I want to take Haile Gebrselassie’s record and I want to come here again to get the world record. I can do better. Before I was afraid of marathons, it’s a long way but now I understand.”
The Dubai Marathon is making a habit of showcasing extremely strong young runners.
Last year Lelisa Desisa was victorious in his first race while the year before Ayele Biza announced himself to the world with a debut that set the current course record of 02:04:23.
As brilliant as Mekonnen’s race was, the 18-year-old will look back at an opportunity missed. The first half was blistering with the leading pack being on courses to beat the world record by a minute after 13 miles.
But as the morning heat plus the effects of overextending early on crept in, Asefa and the field lost pace before he pulled away after turning the corner by Media City.
“The pace was competitive and similar to what has gone before,” added Mekonnen. “The pacemaker was going really fast, the last bit was very difficult and I lost a lot of power in the first half.
“I had energy inside of me but when I was alone there is a difference, I cannot push from inside. If someone is with me then we help each other.”
Ethiopia also dominated the women’s event with Mula Seboka coming in first place with 02:25:01, ahead of compatriots Meselech Melkamu (2:25:23) and Firehiwot Dado (2:25:53).
