Dubai: Huge prize money awaits the winners of the Dubai Marathon which will be held on Friday.
Runners from different parts of the world are pouring in to take part in the event. The winners of both men and women's marathon will be richer by $250,000.
In the 10km event, the winners will pocket a cheque of Dh4,000. The winners of the marathon wheelchair event can go home richer with Dh10,000.
To encourage the UAE Nationals to participate in the event, Dubai Holding, who is one of the sponsors of the event, is providing first prizes of Dh10,000 for the leading UAE nationals (men and women) in the marathon as well as in the marathon wheelchair category.
Over 100 nationalities will line up to compete in this event which has grown in popularity every year.
Talking about the event, Peter Connerton, the event director, said: "Marathon tourism is a growing business with many people planning their holiday time around the world's biggest running events."
"We are delighted that the Dubai Marathon is now a key date on the international running calendar — having runners sign up from all corners of the world is positive promotion for the city as well as for the marathon," he added.
Shattered record
Last year over 11,000 runners took part in the event with 121 nationalities registering for the marathon, 10k and 3km Fun Run. The marathon which will get underway from outside the American University at 7am may see this record too being shattered.
This year will see a huge presence of Japanese athletes, with a group of over 50 taking part. Among the runners will be former world championship bronze medalist Masako Chiba, who will compete in the 10km.
