The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon and Dubai Half Marathon have been held in the city since the year 2000 under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It is one of the first sporting events on the city’s calendar, occurring at the end of January, taking advantage of the cooler winter temperatures.
In 2011 the male winner, Kenyan David Baramasai, completed the marathon in just two hours and seven minutes while the female winner, Ethiopian Asselefech Medessa, completed the race in two hours and 22 minutes.
The total prize money for the marathon is US$ 1 million with both male and female first place winners receiving US$ 250,000 each – making it the largest prize for distance running in the world. There is also a US$ 1 million prize for anyone who beats a world record, but so far this has been left unclaimed.
In 2011 the male winner, Kenyan David Baramasai, completed the marathon in just two hours and seven minutes while the female winner, Ethiopian Asselefech Medessa, completed the race in two hours and 22 minutes.
The total prize money for the marathon is US$ 1 million with both male and female first place winners receiving US$ 250,000 each – making it the largest prize for distance running in the world. There is also a US$ 1 million prize for anyone who beats a world record, but so far this has been left unclaimed.
image credit: dubaimarathon.org
The winner of the shorter 10km road race wins AED 4,000 and there is also a three kilometer fun run for residents to enter. In 2011 the three races attracted 14,000 participants from around the globe, including a huge number of international professional athletes. The Dubai Marathon has become bigger and better each year, attracting many local and global sponsors.
The race is a major attraction and many people gather to watch and support the runners as many of the 10km and 3km participants run to raise money for local and international charities.
Starting times:
Marathon: 7am
10km: 7.15am
3km: 10.30am
Text credit: Dubai Calendar
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