January 6th, 2011

STANDARD CHARTERED DUBAI MARATHON APPLAUDS ROLE OF “INSPIRATIONAL” DUBAI SPORTS COUNCIL

Dubai (UAE): With the largest field of competitors in the Middle East, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon may be the biggest running event in the region but none of it would be possible without the support of the Dubai Sports Council, according to race officials.

More than 12,000 runners will take to the streets of the emirate for the 2011 staging of the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon on January 21. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the event is staged under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council.

“The support we receive from the Dubai Sports Council is crucial to the success of the Dubai Marathon,” said event director Peter Connerton.

“Under the guidance of the president HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and the vice president HE Mattar Al Tayer, the Dubai Sports Council has supported the work of the Dubai Marathon and helped take us to even greater heights.

“They have been inspirational in helping us make the race the richest marathon in the world and one that has attracted racing legends such as Haile Gebrselassie and the stars of tomorrow in the shape of Eliud Kiptanui and Chicago Marathon winner Evans Cheruiyot.”

With $250,000 on offer to the winners of both the men and women’s marathon, the event remains the richest in the world with a $1 million total prize fund that is still greater than those offered by the marathon majors in London, Boston, New York and Berlin.

Yet despite the big rewards on offer to the winners, the event is one of the few world-class sporting occasions in the region where hardy amateurs of all ages, nationalities and levels can compete shoulder to shoulder with some of the biggest names in world distance running.

“The runners who come along and aim for a personal best in the 10km or who simply jog along in the 3km Fun Run are just as important to us and the Dubai Sports Council as the elites from around the world,” said event general co-ordinator Ahmed Al Kamali.

“The Dubai Sports Council is committed to developing and improving sports in Dubai, creating a comprehensive sports environment that meets the requirements of the society and paving the way for youth to cultivate their sporting and cultural talents and aptitudes in a way that leads them to achieving national, regional, and international tangible results. We are proud that they believe the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon meets their high standards.”

The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is also supported by The Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Holding, “Official Outfitter” adidas, The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, Khaleej Times, TNT, Gatorade, Aquafina, Fitness First, Men’s Fitness, Plan B and by government departments Dubai Police, RTA, Dubai Municipality DHA and the Dubai Ambulance Services.

IMAGE CAPTION
The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon enjoys a close relationship with the Dubai Sports Council whose vice president HE Mattar Al Tayer is seen here with three-time Dubai champion Haile Gebreslassie