Catherine Amanang’ole wins maiden marathon in Abu Dhabi
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 14.12.24. | 16:06
Amanang’ole ran the third-fastest time in the event’s history, crossing the finish line in a personal best of 2:20:34.
Reigning World Road Running bronze medallist Catherine Reline Amanang’ole delivered a stellar performance to clinch the women’s title at the sixth Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon, held on Saturday 14 December in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Amanang’ole ran the third-fastest time in the event’s history, crossing the finish line in a personal best of 2:20:34.
The 22-year-old, who also earned bronze at this year’s Copenhagen Half Marathon, took control of the race at the halfway point.
Supported by her pacemakers, she surged ahead, leaving Ethiopia’s Dolshi Tesfu behind.
Tesfu was unable to match Amanang’ole’s pace, finishing second in 2:23:47. This marked Amanang’ole’s second marathon appearance and her first victory at this distance.
“I’m thrilled with the result, especially since this was my first marathon win,” said Amanang’ole.
“I’ve been training hard, but I wasn’t sure I would win. The flat course and cool weather were ideal, and my pacemakers did an excellent job keeping me steady until the finish.”
Despite Amanang’ole’s impressive performance, the course record of 2:19:15, set last year by Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei, remains intact.
Amanang’ole expressed uncertainty about her future plans, stating, “I’m not sure if I’ll switch fully to marathons or continue balancing them with half marathons. I need to discuss it with my manager and coach before deciding.”
In the men’s category, Chala Ketema Regasa became the first Ethiopian to win the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon, finishing in 2:06:16.
Regasa maintained his position in the lead pack throughout the 42.2 km race before unleashing a strong final kick.
Although he narrowly missed his personal best of 2:06:11, his performance ranks as the fourth-fastest in the marathon’s history, trailing the record of 2:04:40 set by Kenya’s Reuben Kipyego in 2019.
Djibouti’s Ibrahim Bouh took second place, finishing 17 seconds behind Regasa in 2:06:33. Kenya’s Wilfred Kigen completed the podium with a time of 2:06:47.
“Everything worked perfectly today—the course, the weather, and the result,” said Regasa.
“It’s a great honour to be the first Ethiopian to win this race. I’ll take a short break before resuming training to achieve more victories for my country.”
Kenya has consistently produced winners in the Abu Dhabi Marathon since its inception, and Amanang’ole upheld this tradition with her triumph in the women’s race.
Both the men’s and women’s races followed similar patterns, with tightly packed lead groups through much of the race before decisive moves in the final stages.
In the men’s race, the lead group of 11 runners was whittled down to five by the halfway mark, with Regasa, Bouh, and Kigen ultimately battling for the top spots.
In the women’s race, Amanang’ole broke away after the halfway point, comfortably maintaining her lead to the finish.
This year’s event attracted a record of more than 33,000 participants across various categories, including the marathon, marathon relay, 10 km, 5 km, 2.5 km, and the 10 km wheelchair race.
Elite Women’s Results
1. Catherine Reline Amanang’ole (KEN) - 2:20:34
2. Dolshi Tesfu Teklegergish (ERI) - 2:23:47
3. Aurelia Jerotich Kiptui (KEN) - 2:26:28
4. Ayelu Lema Deme (ETH) - 2:40:18
5. Bashanke Imoshe Bilo (ETH) - 2:42:42
