Ethiopian track superstar could shift to marathoning in 2013

2013 may turn into one of the most competitive years in women’s marathoning in history.

With the recent successes of the American, Kenyan and Ethiopian women, as well as dominant performances in 2010 and 2011 by Russia’s Liliya Shobukhova, the trend towards faster times on the women’s side is surely to continue next year.

One major edition to the women’s field in 2013 would be Ethiopian track superstar Tirunesh Dibaba. The double gold winner in Beijing and world record holder in the outdoor 5000m (14:11)  is apparently flirting with the marathon following the London games. Her agent, former NCAA coach Mark Wetmore, has indicated that Dibaba is seriously considering a move to the roads, perhaps as early as the fall of this year.

For now, Dibaba must focus on qualifying for this year’s games, as she has yet to do so. Injuries and sparse racing have forced her to focus her efforts primarily on this weekend’s Adidas Grand Prix 5000m race in New York. Even if she does not impress in New York, the Ethiopian selection committee still may include her based on potential, however.

A shift to the roads could fare well for the Ethiopian runner. Dibaba has deep family ties to marathon success: her sister Ejegayehu placed second in her debut in Chicago in 2011, and her cousin Derartu Tulu won the New York City Marathon in 2009.

With marathon purses increasing over the past few years and money disappearing from track events, many young runners find themselves tempted to shift their focus on the marathon earlier in their careers. If this trend continues, Paula Radcliffe’s near invincible 2003 world record of 2:15:25 could finally fall.