The Dubai Marathon has set a benchmark for all sporting events and helped the people in the UAE get fit and healthy, according to a top athletics official.
Speaking to Gulf News, Ahmad Al Kamali, the event coordinator and President of the UAE Athletics Federation said: “When we started off in 1998, running wasn’t popular. Now every weekend, runs are being held. In Dubai, there are officially over 50 running events happening and we are happy that Dubai Marathon has become a trendsetter for the community.”
Al Kamali also revealed that through the event, they are promoting protection of environment. “We are not using any paper this time and even numbers are given online and plastic which is treated properly is being supplied to runners. Through Dubai Marathon, we are doing a lot for society, even giving money for charity organisations. Dubai Sports Council has acknowledged our efforts and consider our progress as the benchmark for all sporting events,” he said.
Talking about this year’s edition, Al Kamali said: “Sebastian Coe will be flagging off the start. His coming here is a big boost as it is his first official visit to Dubai Marathon as president of the IAAF. We have a lot of good athletes, many who have run with excellent timing and so I will not be surprised if some strong times are recorded. There was a time when we dreamed of getting one Ethiopian runner [for the race], but today we have 76 elite runners from this country. With 27 runners from Kenya, and many good runners from Trinidad and Tobago and Germany it is getting bigger every year.”
Al Kamali also revealed that television coverage will reach out to a larger population around the world. “This year’s telecast will be run by a professional company that we have hired and you will see a totally different coverage. The viewership has always been high because they [viewers] feel there might be some surprise time.”
