Dubai Sports Channel signs five-year TV deal with Dubai Marathon

The deal, signed by Dubai Sports Channel's Rashid Amiri and Ahmed Al Kamali, General Co-ordinator of the Dubai Marathon, sees Dubai Sports Channel confirmed as the event's host broadcaster from 2008 to 2012 inclusive starting with the channel providing major outside broadcast facilities for Ethiopian legend Haile Gebrselassie's world record attempt in Dubai on January 18.

'We are delighted to be working closely with Dubai Sports Channel as we count down to the richest running event in marathon history,' said Al Kamali.

'Their support and expertise will be invaluable during the staging of an event that has captured the imagination of the running world.'

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 staged under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon offers a total prize-fund of $1m as well as an additional bonus of $1m for a new world record, courtesy of Dubai Holding.

Gebrselassie currently holds the marathon world record time of 2h:04m:26s which he set in Berlin back in October. And with a good field, excellent weather conditions and a superb running surface the talented African superstar is targeting the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon for a serious attempt at what would be the 27th world record of his fifteen years at the top.

'The Dubai Marathon is a major sporting event in the city and we are happy to be working together with the event to provide international broadcasting facilities,' said Dubai Sports Channel's Rashid Amiri.

As well as the live broadcast, Dubai Sports Channel will also produce a one-hour highlights show for distribution to international TV networks as well as footage for international news broadcasts.

With just under four weeks to go, runners who have yet to register are advised to get their applications in for the marathon itself or the associated 10km Road Race and 4km Fun Run by going on-line before December 31 or by registering at any branch of Fitness First.