If one of your new year’s resolutions was to run a marathon, then look no further than the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon which will take place on January 24.
With the registration now extended until the eve of the marathon, you still have the opportunity to take part in this exciting event.
Training may be difficult as you will be put through the paces but the overall result will be something you can be proud of.
The emphasis is not entirely on results and participants will definitely feel the rush when they are able to tell friends and family that they competed in the 2014 Dubai Marathon.
It is no ordinary event. The Dubai Marathon is the world’s richest marathon and this year’s edition will see Ethopia’s leading long-distance runners Meselech Melkamu and Meseret Hailu – Amsterdam Marathon record holder in the women’s category.
Promising runner Atsedu Tsegay will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of 2012 winner Ayele Abshero and last year’s champion Lelisa Desisa in the men’s event. Both began their first international marathons on a winning note in Dubai.
The marathon has three different categories that are open to members of the public. The 42.195km event begins at 07:00 and is open to runners aged 18 years and over, with an entry fee of $120 (Dh441), while those aged 15 years and over can participate in the 10km Road Race that starts at 07:15. The entry fee for the event is $60 (Dh220).
The third category is the 3km Fun Run which is open to all ages, which costs $15 (Dh55).
There are also different team and corporate challenges available which can be a fun and exciting way of competing against friends or colleagues.
Event director Peter Connerton said: “Such is the quality of the field, there is every chance the women’s results in this year’s Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon will be as impressive as those of the men.
“Due to the outstanding times achieved in Dubai, interest from elite runners continues to be high. This is also the case from local and international amateurs in the marathon, the 10km and the 3km Fun Run so we have decided to extend the deadline due to that demand and to help those who were unable to register over the Christmas and New Year period.”
Registering for the Dubai Marathon must be done online by visiting the official website. Those participating will have to make their way to the starting point of the marathon which will be at the Madinat Jumeirah at the end of Umm Suqeim Road.
The finish point will be at the Dubai Police Academy at the end of Umm Suqeim Road. At the end of the race, runners will be given a finishers medal and a downloadable certificate as a souvenir for taking part.
Participants will also get an Adidas Climacool T-shirt to wear when competing. There will also be designated water stations and sponges to hydrate yourself.
What: Dubai Marathon
When: January 24
Where: Starting point is Madinat Jumeirah at the end of Umm Suqeim Road. Ends at the Dubai Police Academy, Umm Suqeim Road.
Contact: Visit www.dubaimarathon.org for registration and more information on fees.
