Dubai - Over the last nine years, Emirati participation has increased by 325 per cent.
Published: Sat 25 Jan 2020, 7:14 PM
Updated: Sat 25 Jan 2020, 9:26 PM
Dubai Holding today announced the highest number of Emirati participants in the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon since the introduction of the UAE National Prize Category in 2011. Over the last nine years, Emirati participation has increased by 325 per cent with the 2020 marathon not only seeing the greatest number of Emiratis taking part but also record times for UAE Nationals in the city's signature fitness event.
This year, the company's #MyCity_MyRace campaign that called on all male and female Emiratis to participate, inspired 30% more UAE Nationals to take part across all categories versus 2019. The most significant increase was in the 10km which saw Emirati participation increase by an impressive 61% compared with last year. The 10km was a major focus for the Dubai Holding campaign as it encourages mass participation of all fitness levels. This year also witnessed the return of a UAE National who participated in the wheel chair category for the third consecutive year.
In celebration of UAE National success in the Dubai Marathon, Dubai Holding will award a prize fund of Dh86,000 to the top three male and female Emirati winners from each category.
Khalid Al Malik, Managing Director of Dubai Holding, commented: "It is incredible to see how the Emirati community has responded to our campaign and proudly come together with the UAE National athletes to represent the nation in this significant event.
This year's results and particularly both the impressive 61% increase of fellow UAE Nationals taking part in the 10km and the Emirati records broken today reflects the collaborative effort among all government and semi-government entities, UAE national athletes, local running clubs and the Emirati community. It is inspiring to witness the younger generation's passion in supporting our leadership's vision - that nothing is impossible and that we must strive to succeed in every sector, including sports."
A Staff Reporter
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