The three-time Olympic gold medalist stormed to victory in the Berlin Marathon in September crossing the finish line in 2h:03m:03s, just six seconds short of Dennis Kimetto’s world record (2h:02m:57s).

And after voicing his disappointment at missing out on the world record, Bekele is targeting Dubai for the next chapter in his marathon running career.

Ahead of the race in the UAE, here are 10 facts about one of the greatest distance runners of all time.

1. Kenesia was born in 1982 in Bejoki, the same town as the Dibaba sisters – considered the fastest family on the planet

2. He won his first senior world senior cross country title at the age of 19 in 2002

3. He was crowned IAAF Athlete of the Year in 2004 and 2005

4. He holds the world records in both 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres events

5. He won the double at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 10,000 metres title at Athens 2004

6. He’s the most successful runner in World Cross Country Championship history, with six long course (12km) and five short course (4km) titles

7. In 2014, he broke the course record in Paris Marathon on his debut over the distance (2:05:03)

8. In September, he ran the second fastest marathon of all time in Berlin (2:03:03)

9. His youngest brother, Tariku, was a bronze medalist over 10,000m at London 2012

10. His next love after athletics is football