Gebrselassie hails changing Dubai and marathon

Dubai: The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon has clinched a prominent place among the best marathon events in the world.

World marathon champion Haile Gebrselassie acknowledged the rise of Dubai marathon.

"I have been coming to Dubai for over ten years. Every time I am amazed at the progress of this city. They are determined to be No 1 in everything and they are doing the same in marathon. For any sporting event to progress you need support from the government and sponsors," he said

"We would not be in such a position but for the support from the Dubai government, the people of Dubai and sponsorship support," Ahmad Al Kamali, the General Co-ordinator of the Dubai Marathon told Gulf News.

Ahmad Sa'ad, the Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said that everything is being done to lift the profile of Dubai Marathon.

Big events

"Our focus in not to promote football alone. Now we concentrate of big events like marathon too. Dubai will also be staging the World Swimming Championship in 2010. We are planning to set up a Dh800 million modern swimming pool project," said Sa'ad.

The involvement of the Standard Chartered Bank has given a huge boost to the Marathon.

"This year marks our bank's 50th anniversary in the UAE and what a better way to start our Golden Jubilee celebrations than with our fourth successive year of sponsoring the Dubai Marathon," said Nigel Jones, the Chief Executive Officer of the Standard Chartered Bank.