Betty Chepkwony looking to dethrone Ethiopians at Dubai Marathon

ATHLETICS Betty Chepkwony looking to dethrone Ethiopians at Dubai Marathon

Abigael Wafula 10:42 - 06.01.2024

Betty Chepkwony remains unfazed despite being Kenya's sole representative in the women's race at Sunday's Dubai Marathon.

Reigning Rome Marathon champion Betty Chepkwony is not afraid of the tough competition that awaits her at Sunday’s Dubai Marathon.

Chepkwony will be Kenya’s sole representative, going up against a strong Ethiopian contingent but she is banking on her training and believes she will be the lucky one to walk away with the Ksh12,460,000 prize money.

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In a pre-race interview, the 2019 ING Night Marathon champion exuded confidence and promised to impress and don the Kenyan jersey proudly.

“I’m feeling great and I’m ready for the race…I am well prepared for the race and I’m ready to rock the streets of Dubai," Chepkwony said. 

"I’m ready to represent my country and I’m the only Kenyan in the women’s race and I’m going to rock the streets of Dubai."

Chepkwony will be up against defending champion Dera Dida from Ethiopia, who impressively won last year's event in 2:21:11.

The Ethiopian had an exceptional 2023, achieving personal bests in both the 10,000m and the Half Marathon, and improving her marathon best to 2:19:24 in Berlin.

Dida's familiarity with the Dubai route, having competed there in both 2018 and 2020, makes her a firm favourite. Another Ethiopian, Haiven Hailu Desse, will also be in the mix.

In the men's field, Ethiopians Workineh Tadese Mandefro and Kebede Tulu Wami are the ones to watch. Tadese, with a personal best of 2:05:07 from the Hamburg Marathon, and Wami, whose personal best is 2:05:19 from the Seville Marathon, are both aiming for their first Dubai Marathon titles.

Chepkwony says it means a lot to represent the country since it was something she dreamt of growing up. 

“It is very important for me to represent the country since I have been dreaming a lot about running for my country and having a big name and running these big races," she added.

I’m so happy since it is a huge privilege for me and also for my future career-wise…I’m so happy for this.” 

Chepkwony has termed the Dubai Marathon a dream come true since it is a fantastic place to run and the course is fast. 

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