Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon Applauds Role Of Inspirational Dubai Sports Council

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.
 

PUMA Takes Charity Vertical Marathon Involvement To New Heights With Party Elevator, Hollywood Star And Interactive Competition

PUMA – one of the world’s leading sportlifestyle companies – is set to create a real buzz this weekend through their involvement with the Dubai Vertical Marathon on Friday 28th May. In celebration of this charity event, PUMA will be hosting a number of fun events throughout the morning to help cheer on the participating athletes – who will all be running for charity.

Kitted out in PUMA t-shirts, the contestants will kick off the race at the foot of Emirates Towers at 8am – with registrations starting at 6:30am in the Godolphin Ballroom. From here they will scale the 350 metre high tower –1334 stairs and 52 floors. At the top – they will be met by the illuminated PUMA party elevator; complete with disco lights, pumping music and dancers – to bring them down to earth after their grueling physical challenge.

Serving as a ‘surprise mascot’ during the race will be a legendary world famous climber; best known for scaling the Empire State Building in several Hollywood movies. Runners will get the chance to pose with this Hollywood star- although don’t fear – you’ll be perfectly safe in his hands!

Finally, PUMA have organised an interactive competition whereby racers will get the opportunity to win a fantastic PUMA goodie bag by guessing the number of shoes placed strategically along the course. Another good reason to beat the clock…

Organised to raise money for Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), the Vertical Marathon aims to get more than 200 participants in 2010. It is the 7th year that it has been held in the Emirate and this year, the Emirates Towers celebrate their 10th anniversary. Last year, the winning competitor managed the climb in eight minutes and 46 seconds. Overall, the event raised more than AED 160,000 (£29,486) for MSF.

PUMA are encouraging the people of the UAE to come and run, support, cheer and participate in this year’s exciting Vertical Marathon taking place on Friday 28th May – we’ll see you there.