Best of January 2019: RBR Podcast: 2019 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, Women’s race, Chepngetich and Degafa go 2:17!

Reposted Dec. 26, 2019.

Original post, Jan 31, 2019.

The 2019 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon was magnifiscent! Fast men and women’s events. What is in store in 2020? The date is 24 January 2020!

It was a week ago! Does not seem possible. The 2019 Dubai Marathon, now in its 15th year as a Standard Chartered sponsored event, outdid itself once again.

The men’s race had two under the old course record.

And so, did the women.

Worknesh Degefa, Ruth Chepngetich, Worknesh Edesa, 2019 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, photo by GianCarlo Columbo

But, dear and observant readers, Ruth Chepngetich ran the 3rd fastest time in women’s history, only behind Paula Radcliffe and Mary Keitany. Chepngetich, even with her scary water stops, battled Worknesh Degefa, and Chepngetich ran 2:17:08 and Degefa ran 2:17:41.

The Dubai Marathon course is fast, but it is the competitiveness on the course, that puts it above all others. In most races, the fields are built around 1 or 2 athletes. In Dubai, no performance, no money.

I am not sure if that is the best way, but it sure works in Dubai.

Here’s our podcast on the fine women’s event!