Dubai: Ahmad Al Kamali, who envisaged the idea of Dubai Marathon over a decade ago and transformed it into one of the world's finest events, is delighted with the increase in the number of participants every year.
"This year's participation will be the highest ever. Close to 20,000 runners will compete and it reveals the growth of the popularity of this event. We had to close entries for the 3km run at 5,000, we already have over 11,000 for the 10km and over 2,000 have registered for the 42km marathon and entries are still pouring in. We are delighted with the response," said Kamali, who is not only the General Co-ordinator of the event but also the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) council member and president of the UAE Athletics Federation.
Elite athletes
According to Kamali, some of the best runners from around the world have decided to participate in the Dubai Marathon.
"This is the first time we have over 85 elite athletes. Some of the countries have sent their athletes as a qualifier for the oncoming Olympics. Thus we have runners from Algeria, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Angola and even Cameroon," he added.
Kamali believes that the presence of such top athletes can create history.
"If up to the 30km mark ten top athletes are together then anything can happen. The pace of the course could be around 2:04. With some many good runners anything is possible," Kamali said.
He feels the cooler weather is also apt for a good result.
"According to forecast, the temperature could be around 17 and 18 [degrees Celsius]. It is very good for [the] marathon but we should hope there is not much wind. As the forecast says, there won't be any rain, hence chances of wind [are] also minimal."
Kamali believes the course record could be shattered. "We are happy with the group of runners that have arrived and they are capable of setting a course record. The course record is 2:04: 53," he said, stressing that the world record for men is 2:03:38 and 2:15:25 for women.
