Thousands Sign Up as Countdown Begins to Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2015

Dubai (UAE): Now widely regarded as one of the world's leading marathons, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon looks set to underline its position as the Arab world's biggest mass participation event following the launch of online runner registration for the 2015 race.

With more than 25,000 runners expected across the three races - the marathon itself, the popular 10km and the 4km Fun Run - the 2015 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is certain to see the biggest field in its history.

Already more than 5,000 runners have signed up online at www.dubaimarathon.org with thousands more expected as the clock ticks down to the starting gun on January 23, 2015.

While many other running events have been added to the UAE sporting calendar over the years, it is the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon - held under the auspices of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council – that still resonates as the “must-run” event for professional and amateur athletes alike.

In January, Tsegaye Mekonnen Asefa and Mula Seboka made it an Ethiopian clean sweep with Tsegaye coming home in a new World Junior Record time of 2:04:32 to win the men's title, while Seboka claimed the ladies crown in a time of 2:25:01. Both athletes returned home each with a winner's cheque of

US$ 200,000.

“The race may still be over four months away but we are already seeing a large number of athletes going online to register for the various categories,” said Event Director Peter Connerton.

“We're always delighted to welcome the best up-and-coming long distance runners to Dubai - the past three male winners have all won the race on their marathon debuts - but equally as important are the many thousands of everyday runners looking to set a personal best.”

As well as being the richest event of its kind in the world, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon was the first Middle East marathon to be awarded Gold Label status from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and boasts a set of winning times that make it one of the best and fastest races in the world.

Many of the biggest names on the world running scene have cut their marathon teeth on the fast and flat streets of Dubai and event sponsors Standard Chartered are again looking forward to a memorable event in what is their 11th year as title sponsor.

”As title sponsor, we are delighted to continue partnering with the event organisers to stage this flagship sporting event in the UAE,” said Mohsin Nathani, Chief Executive Officer Standard Chartered Bank, United Arab Emirates. “As with previous years, Standard Chartered will be volunteering and running at the event to raise awareness for 'Seeing is Believing', our global initiative, which helps tackle avoidable blindness.”

The 2015 route will be similar to 2014 with a few minor alterations to allow for the ongoing development of Dubai's roads and traffic infrastructure.

Full details of the route will be announced shortly but the race will again concentrate on the area around the Dubai Police College and the Jumeirah Beach Road

By visiting the official website, runners can also sign up for the popular 10km men and women's event, won this year by Kenyans John Ndugu (28m:56s) and Gladys Jemaiyo (33m:40s), and the 4km Fun Run (previously the 3km event).

The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is supported by the Dubai Sports Council, adidas, Dubai Eye 103.8, Dubai Police, RTA and Dubai Municipality. For those looking to take part in any of the three races, registrations are ONLY being accepted online at www.dubaimarathon.org.

ends

Alan Ewens

Media Director

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon

+971504514188