(Reuters) – Ethiopian racer Tigist Ketema achieved a new world record for the fastest marathon debut in Dubai on Sunday, surpassing the course record by over a minute.
With a time of 2:16:07, the 25-year-old secured the gold medal and became the eighth fastest woman in marathon history, breaking the previous Dubai course record by 61 seconds.
Named an African Under-20 Championships gold medallist in the 800 meters, Ketema rose to prominence as a long-distance running prospect after winning the Great Ethiopian Run 10 km race in 2022.
Ethiopia dominated the women’s podium in Dubai, with Ruti Aga (2:18:09) and Dera Dida (2:19:29) finishing in second and third place, respectively.
(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
