Standard Chartered Bank sponsors 2005 Dubai Marathon

The race is scheduled to take place on January 7, 2005.

The Standard Chartered Bank Dubai Marathon joins other major international marathons backed by the global bank, including those in Singapore, Hong Kong, Nairobi and Mumbai.

"Standard Chartered Bank's support of the Dubai Marathon is in line with our organisation's international positioning within the communities that we serve. Individuals who take part in marathons are exceptional and that is what Standard Chartered Bank strives to be as a financial institution," said Ray Ferguson, Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank in the UAE.

Sponsorship of the 42km, 10km and 3km runs in the Dubai Marathon 2005 reflects the bank's commitment to corporate social responsibility and engagement with the community. While the 10 km race is for recreational or novice runners, the 3 km race is a fun event for all the family.

"Financial health goes hand-in-hand with physical well-being, and the Dubai Marathon is a fantastic event that Standard Chartered Bank fully supports. We hope to assist in the development of the Dubai Marathon into a premier international sporting event and a must-participate occasion for the local community," added Ferguson.

Ferguson himself intends to run the 10km event, alongside many of his colleagues, while individuals, corporations, schools, hotels, banks and government organisations are all being encouraged to take part in sector-specific categories with a host of individual and group prizes on offer.

"We believe every corporation should have a direct, positive involvement in the communities in which it operates. Through sponsorship of the Dubai Marathon, we are leading the way for other institutions to become involved with improving the health of UAE society and the wider international community," he continued.

"We have a unique franchise, filled with a tremendous amount of drive, energy and creativity. Our brand promise is to be the Right Partner for our customers. Supporting the Dubai Marathon allows these two to come together into what we anticipate will be a great and global event that reaffirms Standard Chartered's international credentials."

Standard Chartered's announcement of its involvement with Dubai Marathon 2005 coincides with its International Partnership Week initiative being held from May 22 - 27, 2004. The initiative focuses on what it means to be 'international' — one of the core values and an integral part of Standard Chartered Bank's strategic intent — to be the world's best international bank. Partnership is the other key focus area with which the bank embraces its brand promise to be 'The Right Partner' to key stake holders.

"This is a significant part of our journey to 'Build the best bank in the UAE,' which aims at galvanising staff across all our different countries and makes them feel part of one international bank. Partnering internationally will help demonstrate how we can all work together across cultures and bring the Right Partner to life," said Ferguson.

Peter Connerton, Event Director, said: "The Standard Chartered announcement has strengthened our position and I am extremely encouraged by the continuing development of the Dubai Marathon, which will see the event consolidate a place amongst the world's elite events."

The Dubai Marathon will be held on Friday, January 7, 2005, with the main 42km event starting at 7.00am. The 10 kilometres Road Race starts at 7.30am, while the 3-kilometre Fun Run will start at 11.30am.