The LG Dead Sea Ultra Marathon kicks into gear on April 8

Under the Patronage of HRH Prince Raad Bin Zeid, the 18^th edition of the LG Dead Sea Ultra Marathon kicks into gear on April 8^th, 2011 with at least 7,000 runners representing 52 nationalities. Solidifying its position as a national and international athletic, touristic and charitable event, the LG Dead Sea Ultra Marathon (DSUM) is the main fund raising event for the Neurological Society, which aims to raise health awareness regarding non-communicable diseases leading to a healthy future and covers the costs of necessary surgeries for the needy.

The 50 km ultra marathon will take runners from the starting point at Al Sinaa traffic light, just after the 8^th circle, to the airport road, and making their way to the Amman Tourist Beach at the lowest point on earth. The race accommodates every speed and ability from athletes to rookies providing a full suite of categories including a 4.2 km race for children under the age of 14 as well as 10 km, 21 km and 42 km races, all gathering at the King Hussein Park and concluding at the Dead Sea. 

HRH Prince Firas Bin Raad, Head of the Neurological Society, stated, “Now in its 18^th year, the LG Dead Sea Ultra Marathon promises to be bigger and better for runners of all levels this year. The enduring appeal of the Dead Sea Ultra Marathon stems primarily from the geography of its unique route – starting in Amman and spiraling down to the lowest point on earth on the shores of the Dead Sea in the Jordan Valley.  We are particularly proud that the Ultra Marathon supports the work of the Neurological Society, an organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases.”

Jamil Mujahed, Vice President of the Neurological Society, stated, “The LG Dead Sea Ultra Marathon has been a vital factor in helping to promote the awareness of the society and helping those in need. With every successful edition, we are able to treat the needs of neurological patients and I am proud to announce that until this date we have contributed to the treatment of over 1250 cases at a value of one million Jordanian Dinars. To that effect, I would like to thank all our sponsors, especially our Title Sponsor LG for making the DSUM one of the most anticipated and successful events in the Kingdom.”

Mr. Kevin Cha, LG Electronics Levant’s Managing Director, stated, “The LG Dead Sea Ultra Marathon is the event of the year that we always look forward to. At LG Electronics, we are dedicated towards our community and believe that such athletic activities are key to a healthy society. We are honored to play an active role in raising funds for the Neurological Society and are committed to support the local community in all means possible.”

Mr. Rami Malki, Head of Marketing and Public Relations, Bank of Jordan, stated, “At the Bank of Jordan, we have pioneered and contributed to enhancing our engagement in different socially responsible activities. We have formulated a heavy emphasis on youth, health and sports aiming at channeling our corporate responsible attention to society at large through all proper and relative channels."

Founded in 1986, the Neurological Society is headed by HRH Prince Firas Bin Raad to assist needy neurological patients by providing financial help for necessary surgical procedures, as well as to increase awareness of neurological diseases and traumas. The Society anticipates expanding its role in the treatment of neurological patients and becoming a developmental organization by creating social and technical programs in cooperation with related official and non-official sectors.

The main sponsors of the DSUM include LG as the Platinum Sponsor, Greater Amman Municipality as the Gold Sponsor, and the Bank of Jordan and The Jordan Express Tourist Transportation (JETT) Company as the Silver Sponsor.

The DSUM has also attracted other renowned entities to sponsor this year’s event and they include the Regency Palace for hosting the press conference; several media partners that include Al Faridah, Front Row, Ad Dustour, Al Rai, Al Ghad, Go Magazine, Hawa Amman, Sawt Al Ghad, Energy, Seagulls, Continental Multimedia, Jordan Radio and Television, and Picasso; Sama Natural Mineral Water as the official water sponsor; Moonlight Travel as the official travel agency; Biomedix as the first aid and physiotherapy sponsor; as well as other partners such as Abdulhadi Advertising and Marketing, the Arab Potash Company, Aramex, Cozmo, iJordan, iRelations and National Paints. 

For more information, visit http://www.deadseamarathon.com/ui/english.