Middle East's richest running event just got richer

Alongside a prize-money package and the incentive from Dubai Holding for a new marathon world record, a brand new Toyota Yaris Sedan will go to the first marathon runner home, while a gleaming new Toyota Yaris Hatchback will be raffled among every marathon, 10km and 3km runner competing on the day.

The cars come courtesy of Al-Futtaim Motors and Toyota, the event's official automotive sponsor, and are sure to added extra gloss to an event that has already attracted more than 6,000 athletes of all ages and nationality.

'We regard it as an excellent opportunity to promote a healthy and sporting life-style to all the UAE's residents, particularly to our younger citizens, while the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon also reflects the Toyota maxim of 'A Passion to Lead,'' said Al-Futtaim Motors Managing Director Colin Leitch. '.

'We hope that the winner of the men's marathon, and the lucky marathon prize draw participant, will enjoy the Yaris Sedan and Yaris Hatchback prizes that we have donated this year.'

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and held under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council, the marathon itself will see a record field of more than 600 runners set off from the Dubai World Trade Centre. And while a personal best and overall victory will be on their minds, the chance to win the keys to a brand new vehicle will not be easily forgotten.

'In addition to the cash prizes for the leading competitors, every runner that signs up for either the marathon, the 10km or the 3km will have his or her name go into a grand draw for a Toyota Yaris,' said event director Peter Connerton.

'This is only the second time such a prize has been on offer in the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon and we certainly appreciate the gesture by our official car company Toyota and Al-Futtaim Motors.'

The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2007 is supported by Toyota, Puma, Isostar, Aquafina, Dubai Sports City, Dubai World Trade Centre and the Arab Media Group.

A Toyota Yaris will again be on offer as a raffle prize for all competitors in the 2007 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, 10km, and 3km Fun Run.