Dubai: “Our goal is to break the world marathon record,” Ahmad Al Kamali, General Coordinator of Dubai Marathon and UAE Athletics Federation President told Gulf News.
“There is a change in start time and a few changes to the course. These changes will be comfortable for the athletes and so we can expect a better timing. The present course record time of 2:04:11 is fantastic. We hope that with the present good weather and the type of the route we are getting a good signal of an under 2:04 timing.”
Talking about the chances of a world record, Kamali said: “The world record is not something that can happen every day but we have huge hope. What is very pleasing is that, we as an event, is growing. The participation has increased every year. We have already crossed the 30,000-mark in participation. In the Marathon we have over 4,000 runners, which is also a new record. This year we have massive participation in the wheelchair contest with 18 top contestants arriving here. They are going for a world record too.”
When Kamali staged the first edition of this marathon in 1998 only 50 runners took part. “Today we have 30,000 competing, and runners from many countries make it a point to fly in regularly to run. The 14 years of support from Standard Chartered as sponsor and the government and Dubai Sports Council’s support has helped it grow,” he said.
Peter Connerton, the Race Director is delighted with the impact of Dubai Marathon on boosting fitness among people. “When I came 20 years ago there were no one running on the streets. Now you can always see people running every day with most of them wearing their Dubai Marathon T. Shirts from two to three years ago. Running is for everyone and it has helped fitness.”
Commenting on the changes to the course, Connerton said: “Dubai is changing and so the route also changes like Dubai. It personifies the growth of Dubai. The changes to the course have always been good.”
