Marathon runners race for glory

Dubai: It is nothing but their sheer passion for running that has made them the world's greatest runners. The hard work they put in has earned them glory and fame.

Some of the greatest runners, led by the world champion Haile Gebrselassie, are here and they talked about what made them run.

For Gebrselassie it is no longer the prize money that makes him compete, but the burning desire to erase the world record.

It wasn't an easy journey to the top for Gebrselassie. His father wanted him to become a teacher or doctor or at least help him with cattle in the field, but Gebrselassie was only interested in running.

Learning school

"My school used to be nearly 10km away and I used to run to my school. In the rainy season I had to run quicker as I had cross a river to reach the school. This was the early preparation I had for running."

Today Gebrselassie is one of the world's richest marathon runners. "My father believed that sport was something for fun. He did not know that one could make money from it too," he said.

The current world half marathon and world cross country champion Lornah Kiplagat would have also become a doctor but for her passion for running.

"I used to participate in athletics but never thought about having running as a career because I wanted to be a doctor. My main aim was to study. After high school I found I was good at running and started training instead of going to the University."

Incidentally, Kiplagat had even won a scholarship for Medicine in India.

Record books

Kenya's Sammy Korir, the third fastest man in the history of marathon is also here. Korir raced into the history books as only the second man ever to run under 2 hours, 5 minutes, when he finished second in the 2003 Berlin Marathon in 2:04:56.

In one of the greatest marathon runs in history, Korir was narrowly beaten by just one second by fellow countryman and the then world record holder Paul Tergat.

Korir never allowed himself to be demoralised by the narrow miss. Though injuries too prevented him from giving his best, he never gave up. Korir finished runner up to Evans Rutto in London in 2004 and then went on to win in Rotterdam in 2006.

Only runners with such tremendous passion for running and fierce determination for success will walk away with the Dubai marathon's record prize money.

Start times

• Marathon start: 7am
• 10km Road race start: 10.30am
• 4km Charity Run: 11.30am

Key details

--Getting to the start: The easiest and most convenient way to the get to the start area will be by taxi. The taxi drop off point will be in the Dubai World Trade Centre overflow car park F. For those travelling by car, parking will be available at the Dubai World Trade Centre Overflow Car Park B,C and F.

--Marathon course: The new marathon route will start and finish at the Zabeel Park Area B. The route will take in the Jumeirah Beach Road turning at the Souk Madinat and returning to the Zabeel Park. The start and finish will be in the Zabeel Park area.

--Drinks (Water and Isotonics): This will be available at 5km, 10km, 15km, 20km, 25km, 30km, 40km.

--Intermediary Drinks (Only water) Water will be available approximately half way between each main section.

--Sponges: Sponges will be available after each main drink station.

--Toilets: Every 5km, 10km, 15km, 20km, 25km, 30km, 40km.

--Medical: Help will be available approximately 200m after each main drink station and the start and finish area.

--Race Day temperature: The temperature will be 10-15 degree celsius at the start line.

--Baggage facilities: A baggage tent will be provided near the start and finish area adjacent to the Dubai World Trade Centre Overflow Car Park F.

--Food and Refreshments: Extensive Food and beverage facilities will be available on the day of the event.

--Raffle draw: Al Futtaim Motors will provide a new Toyota Corolla1.8L GLi to the winner of a raffle draw open to all participants registered to participate in the Dubai Marathon.

--To return home: Taxi cabs will operate from the car park opposite the main grandstand.

- Compiled byK.R. Nayar