This photograph at the inaugural Zayed International Marathon, in Abu Dhabi in February 2008, is a reminder of what most of us have forgotten, three weeks into the new year: exercise should not be a punishment but can also be fun.
These women running along the Corniche from Marina Mall are part of an enthusiastic amateur field who opted to have a go, running (probably some distance) behind the professional field competing for the US$2 million (Dh7.34m) prize.
The Dubai Marathon was already well-established and drawing top athletes, thanks to the promise of a million-dollar reward for anyone who set a world record. In 2008, the long-distance running legend Haile Gebrselassie came close, winning with a time of two hours, four minutes and 53 seconds; the second-fastest time for such a road race. The Ethiopian went on to win three consecutive Dubai marathons on the looping course between 2008 and 2010.
Yesterday’s line-up racing down Jumeirah Beach Road will have been no less starry, with Olympians among the ranks of the elite race and a prize of $200,000 up for grabs.
Next in the race calendar, runners will get to scale new heights as Abu Dhabi holds its first
vertical marathon. Runners will get to chase up 82 floors of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, this Friday. Enter at climbtoabudhabi.sport360.com, if you dare.
* Clare Dight
