Intro:

The Ethiopians maintained their dominance of the Dubai Marathon in the UAE on Friday, as Lelisa Desisa overtook countryman Berhanu Shiferaw in the final kilometre to win the men's race in a time of two hours, four minutes and 45 seconds.

Script:

Cool and foggy conditions for the annual Dubai marathon in the UAE on Friday.

The Ethiopians were once again expected to be the dominant force - and featured 23-year-old Lelisa Desisa within their ranks for his marathon debut.

The Ethiopians have won the race on five occasions over the past six years.

Their hopes were also boosted by great rivals Kenya offering a weaker line up than usual this year - as stars like three-time London Marathon winner Martin

Lel and Chicago Marathon winner Moses Mosop pulled out at the last minute.

Desisa was among six runners following closely behind countryman Berhanu Shiferaw for most of the race.

The pack was reduced from 10 to 6 at the 32-kilometre mark and Desisa moved past Shiferaw in the final kilometre to win in two hours, four minutes and 45 seconds.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Lelisa Desisa, Dubai Marathon - Men's Winner:
"I win for the first time the marathon. I am very happy in the result and in the prize money. I have a good feeling. Next I have prepared myself to break a record, a world record or a personal best of 2:03".

Tadese Tola, also of Ethiopia, was four seconds back in third.