We look at the top five runners in the men's and women's categories as they fight the clock and the route around Burj Khalifa in the heart of Dubai. Won the event in 2010 in only her second marathon and ran a lifetime best in Frankfurt last year. <b>Aselefech Mergia</b> The World Championship medallist turned 27 on Monday. She is back to defend the women's title in Dubai. <b>Mare Dibaba <br/></b> Has fond memories of the UAE. Her fastest time for the half marathon was achieved in Ras Al Khaimah in 2010. <b>Lydia Cheromei</b> Finished second last year and is fancied to join the group of 12 who have cracked two hours, 20 minutes. <b>Lucy Kabuu</b> The Kenyan arrives in good form having won the Delhi half marathon in November. The Ethiopian has a rich pedigree. He won the Boston Marathon in 2009 and was fourth in Beijing Olympics. <b>Baz Worku</b> Has plenty to prove. He withdrew from the London Marathon and failed to finish in the World Championships. <b>Martin Lel </b> Will be confident ahead of his debut in Dubai after finishing second in the London Marathon in April. <b>Markos Geneti</b> Smashed the course record at the Los Angeles event on his marathon debut last year. Could be a contender. <b>Eshetu Wendimu</b> Has finished third in each of the last three years, including in 2010 when Haile Gebrselassie was the winner.
