January 24th, 2012

Dubai Pulls Together For Marathon Showcase

As over 15,000 runners take to the streets of the emirate for the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon on Friday (January 27), hundreds of government officials will work to ensure a safe and secure route will lead them to the finish line.

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is staged under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council and enjoys the support of a number of hard working government bodies.

This week, last minute preparations are currently underway with policemen and women from Dubai Police’s Protection and Security, CID and Traffic departments working hand in hand to keep the city centre moving smoothly alongside the biggest mass participation sporting event in the Middle East.

Joining them are representatives of Dubai Ambulance Service, the RTA, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Health Authority who will work with the event’s organizing team with special emphasis on the marathon itself which will take the athletes from the start at The Pavilion, Downtown Dubai to the south of Jumeirah Beach Road and back.

“Every year we enjoy excellent support and co-operation from the various departments of the Dubai Government who all help add to the enjoyment of the day,” said event director Peter Connerton.

“The logistics of staging an event of this size and with such large numbers of participants are challenging but with the support of everyone involved we hope to make it a smooth and successful event for the runners in every category.”

From the initial measuring of the route right through to the closure of the roads and providing on-course support for the runners, the Dubai Government departments maintain a close relationship with the event, while ensuring as little disruption as possible for the residents living on the route.

But with the busy Trade Centre Roundabout featuring at the start and end of the marathon, organisers have advised those who expect to complete the distance in a time of between five and six hours that traffic will take priority on the roundabout from 12 noon. Runners are advised to take to the foot paths and road crossings after that time.

The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is supported by The Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Holding, “Official Outfitter” adidas, Emaar, Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, Sport 360, TNT, Fitness First, Plan B and by government departments Dubai Police, RTA, Dubai Municipality DHA and the Dubai Ambulance Services.