Two-time champion Aselefech joins world class field for standard chartered Dubai marathon

Two-time Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon winner Aselefech Mergia Medessa of Ethiopia has confirmed she will join a world-class women’s field of elite athletes when the world’s richest marathon hits the streets of Dubai on January 23.

Aselefech, who won the 2011 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, is also the course record holder for the women’s race having won one of the most famous women’s marathons in history when she took the 2012 Dubai title in a time on 2h:19m:31s - the first and only time in history that three women ran under 2h:20m in the same race.

She will be joined in a powerful line-up by fellow Ethiopian reigning Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon champion and 2014 Toronto Marathon winner Mulu Seboka Seyfu (PB 2h:23m:12s), Kenya’s Lucy Kabuu, who finished just three seconds behind Aselefech in 2012 (PB 2h:19:34s), 2014 Frankfurt Marathon winner Shewaye Aberu Kebede of Ethiopia (PB 2h:22m:21s),and marathon debutant Gladys Cherono Keprono of Kenya, the reigning Half Marathon World Champion.

For Aselefech, it will be a welcome return to the scene of one of her greatest triumphs after taking time away from competitive running to have a baby.

“It is without doubt one of the strongest fields we have ever had,” said Event Director Peter Connerton. “We also have the winner of the 2011 New York Marathon, Firehiwot Dado Tufa from Ethiopia, as well as former Dubai champions and international marathon champions from across the world.

“The depth of quality in the field is impressive and I’m sure Aselefech will be determined join her compatriot, the legendary Haile Gebrselassie, as a three-time winner of the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon.”

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the 2015 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon will see more than 25,000 runners compete across three races in the full Marathon, the 10km Road Race and the 4km Fun Run.

“With Kenenisa Bekele headlining the men’s field and so many champions from races across the world coming together in the ladies’ event, we fully expect two exciting marathons on January 23,” said Ahmed Al Kamali, President of the UAE Athletic Federation and IAAF Board Member.

In addition to Standard Chartered as title sponsor, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is supported by the Dubai Sports Council, Adidas, Dubai Eye 103.8FM, Sport 360, Masafi, Dubai Holding, Dubai Police and the RTA.

Runners who would like to take part in the 2015 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon or the associated 10km and 4km events should register online only at www.dubaimarathon.org.