FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PUMA PARTY TIME GUARANTEED AT STANDARD CHARTERED DUBAI MARATHON
- All Action Morning Expected at PUMA Turn for Third Year Running -
Dubai (UAE): Spectators turning out hoping to see Haile Gebrselassie create
another piece of athletics history can enjoy it in style at the famous PUMA
Turn during Friday's (January 16) Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon.
Once the runners start from The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and
Marina at 6.30am, the race will take them down the Beach Road before
turning at the Union House flag to return to the finish line outside the
hotel.
And it's at the towering flag of the UAE that PUMA will have a half-way
reception guaranteed to raise the spirits of even the most exhausted
runners.
A free PUMA breakfast will be served to all those who come down to cheer on
the runners, while PUMA will also have a DJ, bean bags, umbrellas and
cocktail tables as well as a team of cheerleaders to help the athletes face
the race back in the US$2 million race.
"The PUMA Turn is now in its third year and has been attracting more and
more supporters despite the early start to the day," said PUMA Marketing
Manager, Anahita Kheder. "While runners like the elites can complete the
distance in just over two hours, for many of the amateurs completing the
course is a challenge that deserves every bit of support so we encourage
everyone to set their alarm and come down to cheer them on."
As well as providing support at the half way mark, PUMA is also supporting
every female runner by setting up a peaceful getaway that can only be
accessed by those wearing pink PUMA participating t-shirts.
Female athletes will be able to enjoy a women-only marquee with four areas,
including a foot soak/massage area & a manicure/shoulder massage area; a
'How to' area featuring health and beauty tips; and a running retail area.
Once the race is over, PUMA will also host the popular After Party which is
open to the public from 8pm on Friday (January 16) on the lawns of the
Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina and which will be
transformed into a Street Jazz Festival with live entertainment into the
night.
"We're grateful for PUMA's sponsorship of the After Party - those competing
in the race should bring along their race number to receive welcome drinks,
while there will also be a BBQ and drinks deal for friends and family,"
added Event Director Peter Connerton, while overseeing the start of the
Marathon Village build process that will see bleachers for 1,500 spectators
at the start/finish line outside the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort
and Marina.
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE
Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the 2009 Standard
Chartered Dubai Marathon is expected to see a record field compete in the
marathon, the 10km and the 3km Fun Run, with marathon world record holder
Gebrselassie eyeing a new world best that would earn him a record bonus of
US$1 million.
As well as title sponsors Standard Chartered, other supporters of the event
include Dubai Holding, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and
Marina, PUMA, Arab Media Group (AMG), TNT and Fitness First with assistance
provided by Dubai Sports Council, RTA, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Police.
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