by Larry EderThe 2020 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is just four days away! Over the past two decades, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon has developed a reputation as the place where marathoners show their stuff to the world.
The course is fast, but that is not the complete story.
Degefa takes Dubai, photo by Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon
The Dubai Marathon is the near perfect combination of elite athletes who need to show their talent, deep fields that battle to the very end, and financial rewards that encourage the athletes to finish as fast as they can.
The truth is this, the fast times, the depth of the fast times, the high quality of the fields, and the level of competition make this event a perfect storm in athletics. The amazing level of performances, the tradition of fine performances and the depth of the financial rewards make this event a special event.
Marathons are found all over the world. Marathons in the Middle East have unique challenges. Dubai is held early in the morning, in late January, the most temperate time of the year in the Middle East. For a marathon to be successful, many things have to come in place.
The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon celebrates rrunning in Dubai. The fast, flat course, the time of day, the time of year, and the financial incentives all come to play for the young athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia.
But, there is more. Peter Connerton, the long time race director of the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, has developed something special in Dubai. And after January, who will be revealed as the next new star, or stars?
In 2018, and 2019, my mind was blown with the depth, and the amazing battles and the heart and soul that these athletes show over two hours! Will it be a huge women’s race, or a men’s? Or both? Watch over the next few days as we reveal the upcoming stars of this Friday’s race!
