Ethiopian athletes clean sweep at Dubai Marathon

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Agence France-Presse

Runners participate in the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, Jan. 24, 2014. AP Photo

Ethiopian athletes dominated Friday's Dubai Marathon, making a sweep of all podium places in both men's and women's races.
 
Tsegaye Mekonnen Asefa won the men's race in 2 hours, 4 minutes and 32 seconds, 41 seconds ahead of Markos Geneti Guteta, with Girmay Birhanu Gebru a further 36 seconds back in third.
 
The Ethiopian dominance extended to fourth and fifth places, taken by Tamirat Tola Adera and Azmeraw Bekele Molaign.
 
A delighted Asefa said victory was "really exciting and satisfying for me."
 
In the women's race, the Ethiopian athletes occupied the first nine places in the result sheet, and 15 of the top-16 places, led by champion Mula Seboka Seyfu in 2:25.01.
 
Meselech Melkamu Haileyesus was runner-up in 2:25.23, while Firehiwot Dado Tufa was third in 2:25.53.