Stars in town for Zayed Marathon
Abu Dhabi: Current Half Marathon record holder Lorna Kiplagat of The Netherlands arrived here yesterday to take a shot at the world's richest long distance race - the Zayed Marathon to be run over 21km tomorrow.
Kiplagat, fresh from her victory in Puerto Rico in a 10km race on Sunday, arrived here yesterday morning and said she was looking forward to a strong race.
The Zayed Marathon, which has men and women running over 21km and two other 7km and 4km events, is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, with the total prize money being a whopping $2 million.
"Thursday's race will be a very competitive affair and there is already a buzz among the long distance runners over this race," Kiplagat told Gulf News. Kiplagat, along with the other runners, will be eyeing the $200,000 bonus for a new record in the Half Marathon distance of 21km.
"I did take part in the Dubai Marathon, but did not complete. However, I am looking forward to a good race on Thursday and with almost all the top runners taking part, it is going to be an exciting contest," said the 33-year-old Dutch.
Meanwhile, the Zayed Marathon race director, Mohammad Al Ameri, said the men's record holder in Half Marathon, Samuel Kaman Wanjiru, had also confirmed his entry.
"Samuel's timing of 58 minutes 33 seconds and Kiplagat's women's record at 1 hr 06 min 25 sec are both likely to be under threat," he said.
"Apart from the winner's prize of $300,000 each, there is a bonus of $200,000 for a new record. The Zayed Marathon is now the richest Marathon in the world," said Al Ameri.
Former marathon record holder Paul Tergat from Kenya leads a strong field of runners for the men's title while Kiplagat will be the favourite in the women's section.
"A few athletes like Kiplagat and Nathalie Harvey have already arrived. Most of the others will come in later tonight and tomorrow," said Al Ameri.
Major General Mohammad Hilal Al Ka'abi, Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Zayed International Marathon organising committee, said: "We have received a confirmation from the Education Ministry that between 12,000 and 14,000 students will be running and the number could go up."
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