With the Dubai Marathon taking place on Friday, Sport360 looks at six stars set to impress.
Lelisa Desisa
Marathon best: 2:04:45
Desisa comes into this event with remarkable pedigree. His victory in 2013 saw him mark his marathon debut with a winning time sub-2:05 and lead five men under that time to make marathon history. Hasn’t run close to that time since, but recovered from failing to finish last year’s Boston race by taking second place in November’s New York Marathon.
Kenenisa Bekele
Country: Ethiopia
Date of birth: June 13, 1982 (32)
Marathon best: 2:05:04
The 32-year-old has set his sights on marathon success after dominating track and cross country. Has won three Olympic golds at 10,000m (2) and 5,000m, with numerous other successes registered at other global competitions. Claimed victory in his first marathon, in Paris last April. Is building towards a tilt at Olympic marathon gold at Rio 2016.
Feyisa Lilesa
Country: Ethiopia
Date of birth: February 1, 1990 (23)
Marathon best: 2:04:52
A decorated marathon runner who is eager to prove his best days are not behind him. Burst onto scene with bronze at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea. However, he endured a disastrous 2013 where failed to finish the World Championship Marathon in Moscow and then Frankfurt. Will be keen to correct the record.
Aselefech Mergia
Country: Ethiopia
Date of birth: January 23, 1985 (30)
Marathon best: 2:19:31
The two-time winner of the Dubai Marathon is a woman to be feared in this year’s event. Currently holds the course record for her triumph in 2012, where she burst clear to win by three seconds. That success was not replicated at the London Olympics, where she finished 42nd. Is making her way back to her best after taking maternity leave.
Gladys Cherono
Country: Kenya
Date of birth: May 12, 1983 (31)
Marathon best: Debutant
The marathon debutant’s progress will be eagerly watched by many observers. Has proven a real force at the half distance, claiming individual and team gold at the World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen last year. Her marathon bow has been delayed by injury, her first run had been initially pencilled in for Berlin during September.
Lucy Kabuu
Country: Kenya
Date of birth: March 24, 1984 (30)
Marathon best: 2:19:34
Kabuu is a veteran competitor, winning gold as far back as the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. The Kenyan took an unusual route to the top, spending her formative years studying in Japan. Finished runner-up on her Dubai debut in 2012 and third in Tokyo during February 2014. A first major marathon gold, however, remains elusive.