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Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei saw off competition from Ethiopian rivals to emerge as the winner of the Abu Dhabi Marathon on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

The former world marathon record holder timed 2:19:15 ahead of Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa and Ethlemahu Sintayehu, who clocked 2:24:03 and 2:25:36, respectively, and claimed podium finishes.

Tirunesh Dibaba, who was returning to action from maternity leave, could not march her rivals, even though she was tipped as one of the favourites.

Meanwhile, Kosgei has had to deal with several injuries, and her performance in the Middle East, crowned with a course record, is a perfect morale booster as she looks ahead to more actions.

One of the major events that she had to withdraw from was the London Marathon, for which she was ruled out a few minutes before the race began.

The Abu Dhabi performance is encouraging for Kosgei, whose main focus will now be the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She has been named in the provisional team that also has Ruth Chepng’etich, Rosemary Wanjiru, Joycilline Jepkosgei, Sheila Chepkirui, Peres Jepchichir, Judith Jeptum Korir, Sally Chepyego Kaptich, Hellen Obiri, and Sharon Lokedi.

Paul Tanui falters

In the men’s category, Leonard Barsoton of Kenya was second after finishing the race in 2:09:37, just behind Samson Amare, who was making his debut and claimed the first position in 2:07:10.

The third position was taken by Ilham Tanui Ozbilen, who was also making her debut. Paul Tanui came in third, although the odds were on him to be among the podium finishers.