Olympic champion Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia will take part in the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon on January 23, 2015 in his capacity as ambassador of the Dubai Holding Wellness Programme, it was announced on Sunday.

Bekele’s debut appearance in Dubai will once again turn the spotlight on the world’s richest marathon as the 32-year-old competes in just the third marathon of his career. 

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The Ethiopian is looking forward to progressing at the 42.195km distance after winning in Paris in April (course record 2:05:04) and finishing fourth in Chicago in October (2:05:51). 

He holds three current world records for 5,000m outdoor, 5,000m indoor and 10,000m outdoor; has been 18 times world champion and three times Olympic champion and is the first and only athlete to be world indoor and outdoor, world cross country and Olympic champion.

Dubai Holding CEO Ahmad Bin Byat said: “Inspiration is essential in all aspects of life, both professional and personal. As part of our Wellness Programme initiatives, we aim to inspire Dubai Holding employees and members of the wider community to adopt an active lifestyle, push themselves and take on a challenge.

“As a Dubai Holding Wellness Programme ambassador, Kenenisa is helping to promote health and fitness at Dubai Holding, in Dubai and in the wider UAE.”

Bekele, who visited Dubai to accept his ambassadorial role, said he was delighted to be able to compete in the world’s richest marathon. 

“I have been following the race for some time now and I know Dubai has a very flat course that produces fast times,” he said.

“Of course, it is not easy to step up to the marathon distance and set records but I am looking forward to the challenge. 

“Hopefully, I can produce a very quick time and my appearance encourages people of all ages in the UAE to join me in my role as an ambassador for the Dubai Holding Wellness Programme.”

The event will see runners compete in the full marathon, the 10km road race and the 4km fun run. 

Around 25,000 runners are expected across the three events with athletes of all ages, abilities and nationalities lining up alongside one of the biggest names in world sport. 

Event Director Peter Connerton believes Bekele’s appearance will fire the crowds in the same manner as fellow Ethiopian great Haile Gebrselassie.

“Like Haile, Kenenisa has made the step up to the marathon distance after winning everything there is to win at both 5,000 and 10,000, indoor, outdoor and cross country,” he said.