Ketema wins Dubai Marathon in fastest women's debut
![Tigist Ketema from Ethiopia prays after wining the Dubai Marathon on her debut in the event. (AP PHOTO)](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/C-13144983/f4993543433e6efd60bfc10d80444075588b1eaf-16x9-x0y0w1280h720.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
Tigist Ketema has recorded the fastest women's marathon debut in winning the Dubai Marathon, with the men's title going to another first-timer, teenager Addisu Gobena as Ethiopia swept the podium in both races.
Former middle distance runner Ketema, 25, clocked 2 hrs 16 mins 7 secs over the 42.195 km on a flat course for eighth place on the all-time list.
She bettered the course record by more than one minute in victory ahead of Ruti Aga and 2023 winner Dera Dida, who clocked 2:18:09 and 2:19:29, respectively.
The 19-year-old Gobena was also a debutant and won the men's race in 2:05:01 ahead of Lemi Dumecha and debutant Dejene Megersa, who finished in 2:05:20 and 2:05:42, respectively.
The top three in both races were Ethiopians.
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