Ethiopian Ayele Abshero ran the fourth fastest time ever in winning the Dubai marathon here on Friday.

Abshero, who has just turned 21, also clocked the fastest winning debut in history, taking the title in an event record time of 2hr 04min 23sec.

Abshero, the 2009 junior cross-country World Champion, led an Ethiopian podium sweep with Dino Sefir in second (2:04:50) and Markos Geneti third (2:04:54).

Kenyan Jonathon Maiyo finished fourth in 2:04:56, but he was the only non-Ethiopian in the top 10, most of whom set personal bests.

Pre-race favourite Martin Lel dropped off the lead group before the 30km mark, but soldiered on to finish 35th in 2:34:57.

“I thought I could run 2:04 today,” said Abshero, who collected $US250,000 ($A236,000) in prize money.

“But it’s hard to plan for your first marathon as I really just didn’t know what was going to happen. But I’m very happy. I’m now the number one in Ethiopia, and I think it could be the Olympic Games for me.”

Abshero’s time is only headed by Kenyans Patrick Makau – with his world record 2:03:38 – and Wilson Kipsang (2:03:42) and his illustrious colleague Haile Gebrselassie (2:03:59).

There was also an Ethiopian winner in the fast women’s race, Asselefech Mergia Medessa defending her title as she led home Kenyan debutante Lucy Kabuu, with another Ethiopian, Mare Dibaba, in third.

Medessa’s personal best of 2:19:31 was an Ethiopian and course record, as the other podium sitters also finished under 2:20 for the first time ever in a women’s marathon.

“I know the course so I felt confident,” said Medessa, who edged out Kabuu by just three seconds.

“I prepared well and I’m delighted with 2:19. I’m now the best Ethiopian – and with a time like that, I hope to be selected for the Olympic Games.”