Rain will not stop race or Gebrselassie

Dubai: The heavy rains that lashed the city during the last few days will not stop the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon on Friday.

"Every effort has been done to ensure that the Marathon takes place smoothly. The best runners from around the world, like Haile Gebrselassie and Sammy Koir, have arrived here and everything is ready," said general co-ordinator Ahmad Al Kamali.

"The water logging has been removed from the routes. Our volunteers have been driving around the marathon route to remove all obstacles. Two hours before the start we will conduct a clearance test on the route."

Kamali has played a pivotal role in transforming the event into one the best marathon in the world.

"A lot off effort has gone into organising this year's marathon. The government has provided a lot of support and we are hoping to have a a new world mark here," he added.

Gebrselassie, though, is hoping it will not be raining during the marathon.

"I have run in this kind of weather in London. To give one's best it is important to feel a bit warm inside. It would be nice if the running surface is dry," he said.

"I have been training hard for the last two months for this marathon in Addis Ababa and want to give my best."