Sisay Lemma was unreal, Joshua Cheptegei BLEW UP, Worknesh Degefa is better than ever, Valencia's depth was record-breaking, BAD NEWS FOR US MARATHON FANS and Kenenisa Bekele is back baby!!

For the 1st time in nearly 50 years, the men's 5,000 and 10,000 WR holder will debut in the marathon while still being the best in the world on the track. Former HM world record holder Kibiwott Kandie and Kenenisa Bekele are also running, while Almaz Ayana, Genzebe Dibaba, and 2019 Boston champ Worknesh Degefa lead the women's field.

• MB: Official 2023 Valencia Marathon Official Discussion Thread 
• MB: Valencia: Cheptegei predictions?

The post-Vaporfly marathon madness continued in Dubai.  Four marathons in history have seen 11 men break 2:08; three have taken place in the last four months. *MB: 2020 Dubai Marathon Discussion Thread

A big weekend of running kicks off in Dubai on Friday (Thursday night in the US). Can Boston champ Worknesh Degefa win her second Dubai title? Which of the 11 sub-2:08 men entered will breakthrough to win? Might it be 58:42 man Eric Kiptanui of Kenya who retired from the sport for 5 years but seems poised for a big debut.ac

For the first time in 33 years, the defending Boston marathon women's champion is an American, Des Linden. That the good news. For the bad news, read the article.

The 12:59 5ker Molla took the marathon like a fish to water while Chepngetich went sub 2:18 just 75 days after breaking 2:19 in Istanbul.

Out of protest of the IAAF refusing to give Dubai platinum status, the prize money in Dubai is down this year but the quality of the fields certainly isn't. The men's field is LOADED with 8-sub 2:07 guys and it will also serve as the debut for 2011 world 10,000 champ Ibrahim Jielan as well as 12:59 man Getaneh Molla.

Other notables include former Boston champions Lemi Berhanu, Wesley Korir, 2:04 man Lawrence Cherono, 2015 World champ Ghirmay Ghebreslassie, former half-marathon WR holder Zersenay Tadese, 2015 World champ Mare Dibba and 2:19 woman Worknesh Degefa.

The women's race in Dubai this year race boasts two sub-2:20 women and a total of six who have run under 2:23 as well as super talented debutantes Gelete Burka (10k silver at 2015 Worlds) and 22-year old Senbere Teferi (5k silver at 2015 Worlds, 14:29 pb).

This year's race features a new altered faster course.

Worknesh Degefa had a great marathon debut.

Somebody in Dubai is going to get the biggest win of their career as there are plenty of fast women (9 under 2:25) but none with a major marathon victory.

The pacemakers weren't up for the CR 59:06 but the bonus was it ended up being a great battle for the win. Worknesh Degefa won the women's race in 67:42. *Results

Wilfred Murgor and Leonard Komon were a close 2-3 both clocking 59:57. Worknesh Degefa won the women's race in 67:14 as pre-race favorite Lucy Kabuu was only 6th (70:25).