Ketema breaks world record for fastest marathon debut in Dubai

Clocking a time of 2:16:07, the 25-year-old became the eighth fastest woman in marathon history as she took gold, breaking the Dubai course record by 61 seconds.

Tigist Ketema from Ethiopia crosses the finish line to win the 23rd Elite Race Dubai Marathon in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo Credit: AP

Ethiopian runner Tigist Ketema broke the world record for the fastest marathon debut in Dubai on Sunday, shaving more than a minute off the course record.

Clocking a time of 2:16:07, the 25-year-old became the eighth fastest woman in marathon history as she took gold, breaking the Dubai course record by 61 seconds.

A former African Under-20 Championships gold medallist in the 800 metres, Ketema established herself as a long distance running prospect by winning the Great Ethiopian Run 10 km race in 2022.

Ethiopia swept the women’s podium in Dubai as Ruti Aga (2:18:09) and Dera Dida (2:19:29) finished second and third.