Abu Dhabi: The richest-ever purse for a Half Marathon, an evening competition in conducive weather conditions and the presence of the men and women's record holders, all together promise an exciting and possibly a record-breaking finish to today's Zayed International Marathon.

The area between the Marina Mall, Mina Zayed and the Emirates Palace Hotel all along the Abu Dhabi Corniche is likely to be packed as around two dozen of the world's top long distance runners along with half-a-dozen of the UAE's best in the 21-km race, a large field of UAE national, expatriate and others in the seven km race and over 12,000 school children in the four kms race comprise the day's card.

While for most of them, it is their love and affection for the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for a smaller number it is the pride and a slice of the $2 million that is on offer which will see them work their way through the capital's streets.

Organised by the Armed Forcers Officers' Club under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, the Zayed International Marathon has attracted the cream of long distance runners.

While the men's and women's record holders, Lorna Kiplagat of The Netherlands and Samuel Wanjiru of Kenya are already oozing confidence, former marathon record holder Paul Tergat from Kenya is expected to arrive later in the night as most of the others here are quietly expectant of a taking a shot at the $300,000 first prize.

An additional bonus of $100,000 for a record could trigger an earnest attempt by the strong field resulting in a fast-paced thriller for the spectators.

"The Zayed Marathon has decided to do it the right way and this is good for the marathon runners. his is a very special race and will be successful," said Kiplagat during yesterday's press conference.

With a bonus of $80,000 on offer for the record in the UAE nationals-only section, the organisers have also roped in a few top class runners from the region.

Prominent among them is Qatar's Yousef Othman while the UAE's Ayoob Hussain Salman is also in the fray.

Among the international men runners are Daniel Yego, Joshua Chelanga, Patick Macau (all Kenya), Esitu Windimu, Tsegaya Kabede, Mulengata Wami (all Ethiopia), Marwa Dickson, Marco Joseph and Fabiano Joseph (all Tanzania).

The women's section has Hilda Kibet (The Netherlands), Gafe Wami, Atsede Habtamu, Shuru Deriba, Debela Barhane, Berhanu Addane Baze (all from Ethiopia), Magdalene Mukunzi, Rita Jeptoo Sitieni, Pauline Njeri (all Kenya).

Breakthrough
Micro chip at the race

About 30,000 French-made microchips will ensure that no malpractices will occur during the marathon. Being used for the first time in the country, the microchips will be fitted to the shoes or T-shirts of the athletes, said an organising committee member.

Once the athletes step on the carpeted tracks, the chips get activated and calculate the time taken by the runner. The chips are monitored by a computer located at the finish line.

After a few kilometres, another carpet is placed. If you miss to step on this carpet, then it indicates that the athlete tried to use a shortcut and he or she will be disqualified. The chip, hence, ensures that there are no malpractices and also give accurate timing.

-Rayeesa Absal