Dubai: "The Dubai marathon on January 22 will be a race to prove to the world that Dubai is a power to reckon in the sporting world," Ahmad Al Kamali, the general coordinator of the 2010 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon and president of the UAE Athletic Federation, told Gulf News.
"The Dubai marathon will remain the richest marathon with $1 million (Dh3.67 million) as prize money and another $1 million as bonus for breaking the world record.
"The event will continue to be as popular as ever and will be keenly followed by all sportsmen around the world," added Al Kamali.
Some of the best runners in the world have already booked their tickets for Dubai.
"We are expecting over 15,000 runners to take part in the race [and the] best runners are expected to be flying in from different parts of the world soon.
"The running legend Haile Gebrselassie, who will be participating for a third time, will add glamour to the race. I believe that he will be third-time lucky and we may see a new world record here on January 22," said Kamali, who has played a pivotal role in the success of this event from inception in 2000.
Strength to strength
"Every year we have grown from strength to strength and this year too it will be special. I request all clubs, hotels, companies and associations to come out and race. It has been a period of stress and it is important for the health of everyone in the UAE to come out and participate in this event," he said.
The schedule for the day will remain as usual, starting with the marathon and followed by the 10km race and then the 3km fun-run.
The weather is expected to be ideal for running.
"All the races will start and finish outside the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach resort and Marina. So I am expecting the people of Dubai to once again make this event a huge success," Kamali said.
Will you be taking part in the Dubai Marathon next month? Do you think the record will be broken during the marathon?
