Dubai (UAE): A world-class field of elite men and women will compete for the richest first prize in distance running when the 2011 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon gets underway on Friday (January 21). After three consecutive victories by Ethiopian running legend Haile Gebrselassie, the world’s richest marathon is open to a posse of young pretenders to his crown with race favourite Eliud Kiptanui heading a talented field that features 16 men who have all broken 2h:10m for the classic 42km distance. With a first prize of $250,000 on offer, the competition is expected to be fierce in a race that is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and staged under the aegis of the Dubai … Read entire article »

Dubai (UAE): Entries for the 2011 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon – scheduled to get underway at 7.00am on Friday (Jan 21) – have now closed with event organisers predicting a record turn out in all three racing categories. Since the event was first staged with just over 1,800 runners in 2000, Dubai’s appetite for distance running and an interest in health and fitness has grown to such an extent that more than 14,000 runners are expected to descend on Dubai Media City for the big day. In all, more than 50,000 runners of all ages, abilities and nationalities have competed in either the marathon, the 10km and the 3km Fun Run over the years with this week’s record turn out set to increase that figure by more than 25%. “Extending the deadline for … Read entire article »