Dubai: With the Dubai Marathon breaking the record for maximum participation this year, sales of running shoes have shot up over the last few months.
Runners commence training many months before the marathon and this has led to spreading the message of fitness all over the UAE.
Speaking to Gulf News, Jad Chouman, brand director of Adidas, the official outfitters of the event, said: “Dubai Marathon has attracted not only runners but also sports enthusiasts to running.
“The numbers have increased dramatically over the years and this event has played a huge role in the increase in running events throughout the region and it is has reflected in all our stores.
“This marathon has encouraged a healthy and active lifestyle, enticing more and more people into the sport of running.”
This year, Adidas will distribute ClimaCool running shirts with temperature control technology for free to all runners “to stay cool”.
“We have sponsored the Berlin, London and Boston marathons and our simple philosophy is to inspire and enable runners at all levels with the perfect equipment to suit every runner and terrain,” added Chouman.
The Dubai Marathon has also witnessed an increase in the number of women participants. Ahmad Al Kamali, the Dubai Marathon General Co-ordinator and President of UAE Athletics Federation now organises a Dubai Women’s in November every year.
“We want women’s run to become the biggest running event after Dubai Marathon. The government, UAE Athletics Federation and Dubai Sports Council are putting in a lot of effort. We hope to see over 20,000 women too participate in running.”
