Dubai: The stage is set and everything is in order for the inaugural hosting of the Fujairah Half-Marathon, which will be flagged off from Fujairah Corniche at 6.30am today.
Race director Mohammad Saleh Hassan, who is also the vice-president of the organising committee, told Gulf News that the authorities have been working round the clock to ensure a safe and secure route marked out for the event.
Activities for the day will be held in two sessions, with the serious race being the 21km half-marathon that is scheduled to started by Shaikh Maktoum Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, son of His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, at 6.30am.
The second half of the day will see various races for children, women and amateur runners along the Fujairah Corniche area, with Shaikh Mohammad Bin Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and patron of the Fujairah half-marathon, scheduled to attend and hand over prizes to the winners.
The half-marathon will begin opposite the Hilton Hotel. Part of the race will see the participants race through the heart of the city before hitting the Corniche area and heading back to the start/finish line.
"This is the first half-marathon we are organising in Fujairah and we are keen to ensure this becomes a permanent fixture on our sporting calendar," Hassan said.
"Not only do we want runners, their families and friends to come and visit Fujairah, we also want to make sure they go back with pleasant memories on the art, culture and heritage of the place."
Prize money
The inaugural edition of the Fujairah Half-Marathon has a total prize fund of Dh1 million.
Runners from more than 40 countries such as Kenya, Senegal, France and the United Kingdom are due to take part.
Besides the half marathon, there will be other races held over smaller distances, including a 10km open race for clubs and institutions from across the Arab region, a 5km race for youths and 3km races for women, children and people with special needs.
Further information may be obtained from www.fujairah-marathon.com.
