World’s best athletes out to smash records at Dubai Marathon

With the Dubai Marathon taking place on Friday, Sport360 looks at six stars set to impress.

Lelisa Desisa

Country: Ethiopia
Date of birth: January 14, 1990 (25)
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.

Read more at: sport360.com