One year after the biggest payday of her athletics career, Ethiopia’s Berhane Adere returns to Dubai to defend her title in the 2009 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon on 16 January.

Last year, the 35-year-old set a new Dubai record for the women’s event, taking close to five minutes off the previous record with 2:22:42. She also won the biggest first place prize on the world marathon circuit, US$ 250,000.

With World Record compatriot, Haile Gebrselassie returning to defend the men’s title that he won last year, Dubai welcomes back both course record holders.

“We are delighted that Berhane has decided to defend her title in Dubai,” said Event Director Peter Connerton. “Her win and new race record means she is part of the history of our event and will always be welcome on the streets of Dubai.”

The injection of one million dollars prize money by Dubai Holdings 18 months ago has rapidly elevated the Gulf race to one of the most attractive on the circuit.

Adere said, “It was a great race for me in Dubai and I like the course very much. I was obviously delighted to have won in what was a very good time and I look forward to coming back.”

Facing Adere will be fellow Ethiopians Bezenushe Bekele, who made one of the fastest Marathon debuts in history, finishing second last year in 2:23:09, and 2007 Dubai champion, Askale Magarska who was third last year, in 2:23:23, also a personal best.

Pat Butcher for the IAAF