DUBAI, UAE — Kenenisa Bekele says he plans to be the new marathon world record holder at the conclusion of the 2017 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon – IAAF Gold Label Race – on Friday. Race time is set for 9:30 pm ET and you can stream it live online.
Stream The 2017 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon Live Online | FloTrack Live Streaming Coverage
After making his marathon debut in Paris 2015, Bekele has slowly been progressing on the road and the Ethiopian star pacer, who is the third fastest ever over the marathon, believes he’s ready to do something special on the ideal flat surface in Dubai.
“The marathon needs a long time to develop, you need experience,” said Bekele, who has a national record and personal best time of 2:03:03.
The 34-year-old failed to finish the event two-years-ago after picking up a leg injury, which left him “very disappointed.”
“After two years, I feel that I am a marathoner now. This (Dubai) is a similar flat course to Berlin, and I think I can do better. I plan to run the world record.
“Of course, it’s a race, so you can’t say for sure, and it depends on the conditions. But I was very disappointed not to finish here two years ago. My plan in Berlin was to run a fast time,” he said.
“I was focused on a personal best and the Ethiopian record (2:03:59 by his illustrious predecessor, Haile Gebrselassie). Dubai is a fast course, I’m planning to run the world record, and I’m confident.”
Meanwhile, 2014 winner Tsegaye Mekonnen of Ethiopia enters the race with a lifetime best of 2:04:32, and he, along with countryman Dino Sefir (2:04:50) are expected to be in the leading pack as well.
The strong field, loaded with Ethiopians, also includes seven men who have gone below 2:07:00, with three of them, Sisay Lemma (2:05:16), Mule Wasihun (2:05:44), Abera Kuma (2:05:56), faster than 2:06:00.
Leading Starters In Dubai Marathon
MEN
Kenenisa Bekele, ETH, 2:03:03
Tsegaye Mekonnen, ETH, 2:04:32
Dino Sefir, ETH, 2:04:50
Sisay Lemma, ETH, 2:05:16
Mule Wasihun, ETH, 2:05:44
Abera Kuma, ETH, 2:05:56
Tamirat Tola, ETH, 2:06:17
Solomon Deksisa, ETH, 2:06:22
Raji Assefa, ETH, 2:06:24
Chele Dechasa, ETH, 2:06:33
Limenih Getachew, ETH, 2:06:49
Azmeraw Bekele, ETH, 2:07:12
Berhanu Legese, ETH, Debut
WOMEN
Shure Demise, ETH, 2:20:59
Meselech Melkamu, ETH, 2:21:01
Koren Jelela, ETH, 2:22:43
Tadelech Bekele, ETH, 2:22:51
Yebrgual Melese, ETH, 2:23:23
Worknesh Edesa, ETH, 2:24:04
Shuko Genemo, ETH, 2:24:31
Ruti Aga, ETH, 2:24:41
Belaynesh Oljira, ETH, 2:25:01
Roza Dereje, ETH, 2:26:18
Worknesh Degefa, ETH, Debut
