Lelisa Desisa, the 2019 World Marathon Champion, is set to make his long-awaited return to competitive running at the 2025 Dubai Marathon on January 12. The 34-year-old Ethiopian first gained global attention in 2013 when he won the Dubai Marathon with a personal best time of 2:04:45.
This victory marked the beginning of a distinguished career, which includes two wins at the Boston Marathon and a victory at the 2018 New York Marathon.
Desisa’s decision to return to the Dubai Marathon follows a hiatus from elite competition. After his World Championship victory in Doha in 2019, Desisa’s race schedule was disrupted by the global pandemic.
During this break, he focused on business ventures in Ethiopia and embraced family life, welcoming two young children into his family. Now that his personal affairs are settled, Desisa is back in full-time training and ready to make his comeback on the world stage.
Race Director Peter Connerton expressed excitement about Desisa’s return, recalling the dramatic 2013 marathon in which Desisa won in a thrilling sprint finish. In that race, the top five finishers all crossed the line in under 2:05, a first in marathon history. “Lelisa’s victory in 2013 remains a defining moment for the Dubai Marathon,” Connerton said. “We’re thrilled to have him back in the event.”
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The Dubai Marathon is known for its fast, flat course, which has attracted top-tier athletes over the years. Desisa’s return to this iconic race adds to the anticipation for the 2025 event. With his proven track record, including eight top-three finishes in major city marathons over six years, Desisa’s comeback will surely be one of the highlights of the 2025 marathon season.
Before his break from competition, Desisa established himself as one of the most consistent marathoners in the world. His victories in Boston (2013 and 2015) and New York City (2018) cemented his place among the sport’s elite, and his return to Dubai is expected to generate excitement among fans and fellow athletes alike.
The 2025 Dubai Marathon will feature not only the marathon but also a 10km road race and a 4km fun run. Thousands of runners are expected to participate, making it one of the premier marathon events in the world.
