'Gold label' marathon announces new route

Dubai: Just days after receiving ‘gold label' status from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon has unveiled a new route that will take the world's richest long distance race back into the heart of the city.

To be held on January 27, the 2012 edition of the classic 42.195km race will now see the runners start beside the Pavilion in Downtown Dubai, in the shadow of the imposing Burj Khalifa.

It will then head along the 3.5km Emaar Boulevard and turn left onto Doha Street, passing Dubai Mall.

The route will then turn right towards the Dubai World Trade Centre and take the field to the coast, along Satwa and through to the UAE flag at Union House.

As in previous years the runners will tackle the flat stretch along Beach Road to the turn before the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel and return along the same route, passing Dubai Mall and the Address Hotel, finishing 1km before the entrance to the Burj Khalifa.

‘Perfect backdrop'

Ahmad Al Matroushi, managing director of Emaar, said: "We are delighted to partner with the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, a headlining event that brings together thousands of Dubai residents and visitors.

"Downtown Dubai serves as a perfect backdrop for the marathon event, which is all about perseverance and dedication — values that have been the driving force of Emaar in accomplishing our iconic developments such as Burj Khalifa."

Event director Peter Connerton said: "While we have enjoyed three successful events starting and finishing up by Dubai Media City, it's time to bring the start and finish back into the city centre and there are few better places than Downtown Dubai."

With registration already open, thousands of runners of all ages and abilities have signed up for the main event, the 10km and the 3km fun run.

The event is staged under the auspices of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council.

Jonathan Morris, CEO of the UAE operation at Standard Chartered Bank, said: "This is our eighth consecutive year as title sponsor and we are delighted to play a part in promoting health and fitness in the UAE.

"This world class event gives us an opportunity to maintain our active role in the community as part of our commitment to be here for good.

"This is one of the key highlights of the sporting and social calendar in the region."

Runners looking to compete on January 27 can register online at www.dubaimarathon.org.