FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon Goes Downtown!
New Route for World's Richest Road Race on January 27
Dubai (UAE): Just days after receiving Gold Label status from the
International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the Standard
Chartered Dubai Marathon has unveiled a new route that will take the
world's richest long distance running race back into the heart of the city.
To be held on January 27, the 2012 edition of the classic 42.195km race
will now see the runners start beside The Pavilion in Downtown Dubai, in
the shadow of the imposing Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building
developed by Emaar Properties, before heading along the spectacular, 3.5 km
Emaar Boulevard and turning left onto Doha Street with The Dubai Mall, the
world's largest shopping and entertainment destination, on the left.
The route will then turn right heading up towards the Dubai World Trade
Centre and take the field to the coast along Satwa and through to the UAE
flag flying high at Union House.
As in previous years, however, the runners will once again tackle the flat
stretch along the Beach Road to the turn before the Burj Al Arab and
Jumeirah Beach Hotel and return along the same route before passing The
Dubai Mall and The Address Downtown Dubai and finishing approx 1km before
the entrance to the Burj Khalifa.
Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties, said: "We are
delighted to partner with the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, a
headlining event that brings together thousands of Dubai residents and
visitors. As 'The Centre of Now,' Downtown Dubai serves as a perfect
backdrop for the marathon event, which is all about perseverance and
dedication - values that have been the driving force of Emaar in
accomplishing our iconic developments such as Burj Khalifa."
For the field of elite athletes and enthusiastic runners alike, the new
route promises to be yet another fast and challenging route with a new
start and finish area alongside the world's tallest building.
"While we have enjoyed three successful events starting and finishing up by
Dubai Media City, it's time to bring the start and finish back into the
city centre and there are few better places than Downtown Dubai," said
Event Director Peter Connerton. "We are working closely with Emaar to make
sure the 2012 race is the best in the short history of the Standard
Chartered Dubai Marathon."
With registration already open, thousands of runners of all ages and
abilities have signed up for the Marathon, the 10km and the 3km Fun Run in
an event that is staged under the auspices of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai,
and under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council with Standard Chartered as
the title sponsor.
"This is our eighth consecutive year as title sponsor and we are delighted
to play a part in promoting health and fitness in the UAE. This world class
event gives us an opportunity to maintain our active role in the community
as part of our commitment to be 'here for good'," said Jonathan Morris, CEO
of the UAE at Standard Chartered Bank.
"This is one of the key highlights of the sporting and social calendar in
the region. We are excited to host some of the world's best elite runners
who will undoubtedly strengthen the UAE's position on the international
marathon circuit and help drive the development of sport in the region," he
said.
With the event now holding IAAF Road Race Gold Label status, the Standard
Chartered Dubai Marathon is the highest accredited race of its kind in the
Middle East and confirms Dubai's place at the top table of marathon running
alongside cities such as London, Berlin and New York.
Event General Co-ordinator Ahmed Al Kamali, President of the UAE Athletic
Federation and Member of the IAAF Council, believes this is a new chapter
in the story of the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon.
"Following our elevation to Gold Label status, the eyes of the running
world will now be on our event on January 27," he said. "But with a new
route and a start and finish line beside the Burj Khalifa we can showcase
Dubai as both a 21st century city and a global sporting venue second to
none."
Runners looking to compete in the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, the
10km and the 3km Fun Run on January 27 can do so online at
www.dubaimarathon.org. The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is supported
by The Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Holding, "Official Outfitter" adidas,
Emaar, Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, Sport 360, TNT, Fitness First, Plan B and by
government departments Dubai Police, RTA, Dubai Municipality DHA and the
Dubai Ambulance Services.
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