Dubai: The Government of Fujairah has hiked the total prize money to more than Dh1 million for this year's edition of the Fujairah Half Marathon to be held on April 27.
"We want the best of the best to come and visit Fujairah and we will not stop short at anything to make this event a huge success," Saleh Mohammad Hassan, Race Director, told Gulf News.
"We have top confirmed runners from Europe and Africa and we expect this event to get even more exposure compared to previous years due to the increase in the prize money," he added.
Led by Salem Al Zahmi, President of the Organising Committee, the organisers have assembled runners from Kenya, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, France and Algeria.
"We are expecting more than 4,000 runners to line up in the various races to be held alongside the main 21kms event that has all runners ranked by the IAAF," the race director said.
The other competitions will see a 10km race open for clubs and institutions from across the Arab world, a 5km open race for youth and 3km races for kids, women and persons with special needs.
"We have tried to make things more attractive for mothers and kids by keeping special attractive prizes for those finishing in the top 50 during the race," Hassan said.
"We have the full backing and support of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Hamad Al Shaqri, Crown Prince of Fujairah under whose patronage we are having this race, and he has assured us to ensure this event is a success," he added.
The race will be held along the Fujairah Corniche with a 7am start on April 27. Additional information on the event and registration can be done on www.fujairahmarathon.com.
