Chicago Marathon 2008 winner Evans Cheruiyot is the latest big name runner to commit himself to the 2011 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, which will take place in the emirate on January 21.
The Kenyan stunned the world of athletics when he won the US race in a time of just 2h:06:25 in what was only his second marathon outing two years ago. His first had also seen him win in Milan in 2007 just a year after establishing himself as one of the ten fastest half marathon runners of all time.
Although his Chicago time remains his personal best, Cheruiyot has shown he can run in the best of company and will be a serious threat to the rest of the elites eyeing the $250,000 first prize in Dubai.
“The elite field continues to grow as we countdown to the race itself,” said Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon event director Peter Connerton. “Evans is recognised as a world-class athlete and it is always a pleasure to welcome runners who have excelled on the big stage.”
While Cheruiyot is no stranger to making the sporting headlines, he made news of a different kind four years ago when an unscrupulous manager left him and fourteen other runners stranded in France with no money, food or shelter. Although the Kenyan Embassy rescued him, Cheruiyot returned home and seriously considered giving up the sport.
“To be stuck in a foreign country without food or money was frightening,” he said. “We slept on the floor, went days without food, had our passports confiscated at one point, and were told that we would stay like refugees.”
Although shaken by the experience, he was convinced not to waste his talent and in February 2006, Cheruiyot won the Eldoret Half Marathon and met his current manager, Federica Rosa, who took him under his wing and helped him progress to US marathon success.
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and staged under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon will see 28 year-old Cheruiyot start as one of the men’s favourites in a race enjoying a prize-fund of $1 million.
“Once again we are grateful to HH Sheikh Mohammed and the Government of Dubai for extending every assistance in helping us stage the 2011 event,” said general co-ordinator Ahmed Al Kamali. “Having thousands of people take to the streets requires careful co-ordination and safety support.”
As well as the full 42.2km Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, runners are also encouraged to compete in the popular 10km event as well as the 3km Fun Run, which proves popular for with people of all ages and abilities.
The event is supported by The Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Holding, "Official Outfitter" adidas, The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, Khaleej Times, TNT, Gatorade, Aquafina, Fitness First, Men’s Fitness, Plan B and by government departments Dubai Police, RTA, Dubai Municipality DHA and the Dubai Ambulance Services. Full registration details are available through the event’s official website at www.dubaimarathon.org or at any Dubai branch of Fitness First.
ShareThis