World's elite ultra-runners to compete in Meraas Al Marmoom Ultramarathon 2018 in Dubai for ultimate endurance crown
Desert Conservation Reserve to host world’s longest ultramarathon across circuit spanning 270km from 11-15 December in Dubai
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, 13.11.2018: This December elite ultra-runners from nearly 36 countries will compete in Dubai for the ultimate endurance crown when they participate in the Meraas Al Marmoom Ultramarathon 2018. They will enter the record books as they take part in the world's longest desert ultramarathon being held in the breath-taking Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
The Meraas Al Marmoom Ultramarathon, being held under the umbrella of Dubai Sports Council and supported by Dubai Municipality, Dubai Ambulance and DEWA, will take place over 5 days, 11th – 15th December and will test the athletes as they cross 270kms of challenging desert landscape in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
Dubai has established itself as a hub for ultra-athletes and adventure seekers in the Middle East. Through bringing the Ultramarathon to Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and in line with its commitment to the development, growth and transformation of Dubai into a global hub, Meraas aims to support the efforts to promote preservation of UAE’s natural assets and shine a spotlight on the emirate’s hidden gems. The company is creating a lifestyle that supports Dubai’s overall vision as a global city, where its residents and visitors can connect with each other through different experiences.
The Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve will be the first-of-its-kind unfenced reserve in the country and the largest tourism attraction of its kind spanning 10 per cent of the emirate’s total area. It is part of a conservation initiative to promote Dubai’s commitment to a sustainable environment, providing a balanced ecosystem for thousands of wild animals and migratory birds, and includes environmental, cultural and sports-related activities.
His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, said: “The Meraas Al Marmoom Ultramarathon 2018 is a truly unique event, which will test the limits of human endurance and I am really excited to see all the world’s leading ultramarathon runners are up for this challenge.
“Athletes from 36 countries have already registered for the event, and we will also see a number of UAE-based ultra-runners in action. So it is going to be an engrossing contest and the world will be tuned for some amazing stories that should be coming out of this event.
“The Ultramarathon will showcase Al Marmoom’ s stunning landscape and take the visuals to different parts of the world, showing a different side of Dubai. As per the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we want to transform the magnificent Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve into an eco-friendly hub of sport and turn it one of the most sought-after destinations in the world of sports tourism.
“The target is to host more than 20 annual sporting events in Al Marmoom by the year 2030. We have started well and have already hosted a number of different events at the Reserve. The Ultramarathon is the first multi-day event we are hosting in Al Marmoom and it is a truly made-for, eco-friendly event that we are all excitedly looking forward to.”
The elite runners signed up are some of the world’s leading desert ultra-runners, including, Moroccan Rachid El Morabity, U.S Magdalena Boulet, Jordanian Salameh Al Aqra and Danish Bouchra Lundgren Eriksen, from France, Merile Roberts and Seda Nur Celik from Turkey.
Speaking about the unprecedented global registrations for the Ultramarathon Danil Bornventure the event Race Director, said: “The interest internationally has been fantastic, with enquiries coming in everyday from around the globe as the world’s top ultra-runners want to take part in this history making event. We have runners registered from 36 nations. We’ve also had a great response locally, with registrations coming in from around the region. Local support is terrific, and the UAE’s based ultra-runners are some of the best desert competitors. With 3 distances offered, the world’s longest 270kms, also 100kms and 50kms there’s a great opportunity for the ultra- running community to compete at the highest level’.
The Al Marmoom Ultramarathon offers the choice of 3 distances, the world’s longest desert ultra-run 270km taking place over 5 days as well as continuous 100km and 50km ultra runs. All three distances are self- sufficient and runners will be based in a central camp situated beside the beautiful lakes in Al Marmoom where there will be tents, medical assistance, water and basic refreshments. The routes will include regular check points along the route where there will be water, time keeping, medical and race crew. Runners will follow routes marked by the race organizers.
“The landscape is stunningly deceptive. The Meraas Al Marmoom Ultramarathon course is the ultimate endurance challenge taking runners across high dunes that takes every ounce of strength they have and hard sand flatlands where speed is needed to gain the advantage and cover the distance,” Danil added.
The prize value totals US $80,000 in cash, trophies and medals, making it the biggest purse in the world for an ultramarathon.
All finishers will be awarded electronic certificates and medals. There will be race rankings for top 3 male and female runners for each distance. There will be special recognition awards for Emirati male and female competitors and male and female veterans (over 50) as well as individual stage rankings.
Taking part in the event is Team Angel Wolf, a Dubai based family that has a 15-year-old child called Rio, a person of determination. Their mission is to create awareness of the importance of inclusion and to change attitudes to help integrate people of determination fully into society. They want to demonstrate that "anything is possible". The family are experienced athletes and take part in a range of sporting events throughout the year and always include Rio.
Team Angel Wolf will participate in the final 50km distance on the last day of the event. They will be pushing and pulling Rio as a team of 8, over the course whilst making sure Rio is in safe hands providing him with all the adequate support on the day.
Leading up to the main event, there are weekly training build up run sessions being held in the Al Marmoom desert. They take place every Friday, 6am - 9am, and led by ultra-runners and experienced running coaches.
Danil, encourages participants and those considering signing up to join in, ‘the Meraas Al Marmoom Ultramarathon build - up runs not only prepare runners for the ultimate desert ultramarathon but also bring the ultra- running community together. It’s a great opportunity to meet other ultra-runners and share experiences and training tips.’
To join the build - up run sessions, please contact Coach Rinat: info@ultramarathon.ae
Runners meet at the Last Exit Al Qudra, 5:30 am every Friday.