By NNN-WAM
Dubai : Nine months after Dubai stunned the athletics world by launching the richest running race of all time, the 2008 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon finally takes to the streets of the emirate Friday with the biggest line-up in Middle East running history.
Over 11,000 runners from 92 nations will come together for a three-race card that will see the classic marathon distance of 42.2km get underway at 7am, the 10km Road Race start at 10.30am and the 4km Fun Run round off the day at 11.30am.
Held under the patronage of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and staged under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council, the multi-national event will be the richest marathon of all time with USD 1 million in prize money and a bonus USD 1 million on offer to any male or female athlete who breaks the current world record, courtesy of Dubai Holding.
Ethiopian double Olympic champion and the current marathon world record holder, Haile Gebrselassie will head a men’s field featuring a host of elite distance runners. Among those likely to push the “Emperor” all the way is Kenyan Sammy Korir — the third fastest man in history — while a pack of talented pace makers such as world half marathon champion Fabiano Joseph will aim to ensure the pack stay on record schedule.
Last year’s race winners Willy Rotich and Askale Magarsa return to defend their titles with Dubai record holder Askale facing a tougher challenge than in 2007. The little Ethiopian will need to be at her very best to retain her title with big guns Lornah Kiplagat and Berhane Adere the favourites on the biggest pay day in women’s distance running.
“This year marks Standard Chartered’s 50th anniversary in the UAE and what better way to start our Golden Jubilee celebrations than with our fourth successive year of sponsoring the Dubai Marathon — now the richest marathon in the world,” said Nigel Jones, CEO, Standard Chartered UAE.
“Standard Chartered’s global community initiative to tackle avoidable blindness — “Seeing is Believing” — will again be the beneficiary of the 4km charity run. The global initiative aims to make a difference to 10 million people in 20 countries by 2010 and with all proceeds from the 4km run going to this cause, we hope to make a significant contribution towards helping to eradicate avoidable blindness globally.”
All three races will get underway from a new start line on the road outside Zabeel Park Gate Six. The finish line is situated on the same road and will be flanked by spectator grandstands as well as an entertainment village where runners and their families can enjoy music, entertainment and children’s activities.
“Of course we are delighted to have Haile Gebrselassie competing for the first time in Dubai,” said Event Co-ordinator Peter Connerton, “but the amateur and part-time runners are equally important to us. A great deal of attention will be on the marathon and a possible world record but we want all runners to enjoy the day no matter which distance they are running.”
To help assist traffic on the day, 200 taxi cabs will operate from the car park opposite the main grandstand. Dubai RTA and the Police and Emergency Services will also be on hand to ensure that the day’s event run smoothly over roads and highways temporarily closed down for the second time in a week.