This December, Dubai will make endurance history when it hosts the world’s longest desert ultramarathon in the spectacular confines of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
Being held under the umbrella of Dubai Sports Council from December 11-15, the Meraas Al Marmoom Ultramarathon will be the ultimate measure of human athletic endurance and will test physical strength and mental stamina as runners traverse 270kms of stunning desert landscape in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
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.
It offers the choice of 3 distances, the world’s longest desert ultra-run 270km over 5 days as well as continuous 100km and 50km ultra runs.
All three distances are self- sufficient, across desert terrain in the breath taking Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai UAE.
The base camp will be 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.
International elite ultra-runners will take on the Meraas Al Marmoom Ultramarathon 270km route which is divided into 4 routes; two 50kms runs, plus continuous 70km and 100km runs. Already 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.
The two additional ultra runs taking place at the same time will be over 100km and 50km distances.
Participants will follow specific routes as marked by the organizers and the course will be marked approximately every 500 metres.
All three distances are self- sufficient, with water and tents supplied, and across desert terrain, including soft sand dunes and hard sand tracks.
The Meraas Al Marmoom Ultramarathon is open to ultra runners of any citizenship aged over 18 years who can provide a medical certificate attesting to their ability to participate in a race of this type as well as an ECG print-out dated less than 30 days prior to the race.
The race includes male and female athletes with race rankings for top 3 male and female runners for each distance and teams. 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.
Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the largest of its kind in the Arab world, stretches across 10% of Dubai’s land, and 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.
The Meraas Al Marmoom Ultramarathon will take participants to the limit of human endurance and beyond. ■
Registration:
Participants: www.ultramarathon.ae/participants.html
Volunteers: www.ultramarathon.ae/volunteers.html
Website: www.ultramarathon.ae
Meraas Al Marmoom Ultramarathon Weekly Build Up Runs
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 runner and experienced running coach Rinat Mustafin.
The 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, 6 am.
