Dubai: To run in the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon has become a ritual for many.
Jacques Rijkmans has run in all the 12 marathons while Malcolm Murphy has completed 11 marathons. There are many runners who have taken part in the 10k too regularly with the same eagerness of Rijkmans and Murphy.
Sudhir Kumar is one such runner. He will be running in the Dubai Marathon 10k event for the eighth time tomorrow. "I have been based in Dubai for the last 21 years. I took part for the first time in the 10k in 2003 and make sure to run every year here," remarked Kumar after a hard workout at Al Mamzar beach yesterday.
"The nice thing about running and gearing up for the 10k is that I have improved my timing every year. Last year I finished in 63: 42sec," he added.
Kumar, who works for Morison Menon Chartered Accountants, wants to run in 50 minutes.
"I set a target this year and am hoping to achieve it. I have been training regularly at the Al Mamzar running track. To make sure that I am fit, I go to the gym and do a lot of workouts and crunches," said Kumar.
Kumar also eats a diet which includes lots of fish, salads and fruits.
"Dubai Marathon is a good initiative by the Government as it highlights the importance of healthy living. When we take care of ourselves better, we will be able to take care of our families, people, communities and the country better," he said.
