Bezunesh Bekele will defend her 2010 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon women's title against fellow Ethiopian former champions.
Ethiopian champion prepares to defend title in Dubai
Bezunesh Bekele will defend her 2010 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon women's title against former champions Askale Tafa Magarsa and Behane Adere.
The three Ethiopian stars will compete in the world's richest marathon on January 22, where their fellow countryman Haile Gebsrselassie will attempt to smash the world record he set 15 months ago.
Bekele crossed the finishing line over a minute ahead of her nearest opponent last year to land the $250,000 first prize.
However, a much tougher challenge is expected from 2007 champion Margasa, who did not feature last year due to injury, and Adere, who struggled to cope with bad weather conditions.
"To have the last three champions line up in the women's event - as well as having 12 men under two hours and 10 minutes in the male category - underlines the enormous strides made by this event over the past few years," said event director Peter Connerton.
"The quality of the two fields is exceptional and we thank all the athletes for agreeing to compete over what we believe to be one of the best road tracks in the world."
