The Middle East’s biggest mass-participation sporting event is about far more than the incredible elite runners charging past the finish line.

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A record field of approximately 33,000 competitors took to the streets from the Umm Suqeim Road start/finish line, sharing the same tarmac as elite winners Lemi Berhanu and Aselefech Mergia. There was different goals for most of the regular runners in the marathon, 10 kilometre and 4km Fun Race events.

Many were looking to beat personal bests, others simply wanting to reach the finish line.

The 16th running of the event saw more runners than ever before, yet the issue of Emirati involvement remains.

Of the 2,200 marathon runners only 12 were locals – two of which were women. It was left for expatriates from other nations to represent the Gulf.

“This is my second Dubai Marathon, and it is an unbelievable experience to run alongside people of all ages and from around the world,” Taiba Alnouri from Kuwait said.

“I will definitely be coming back next year.”

The cool conditions, fantastic facilities and invitingly flat course entice competitors from all over the globe. A real highlight was the communal spirit that saw total strangers hugging each other as they reflected on their achievements.

“I feel great, it went really well,” Tina Krabbe, a 44-year-old from Denmark said. “A time of three hours and 41 minutes is really good for me. This is my 13th marathon. The time was my best, so it is an easy and steady run under good weather.”

Young and old charged past the sublime Burj Al Arab, including inspirational 75-year-old German Werner Stocker. “I only started marathons in 2011, it is my 12th marathon at 75,” he said through a translator. “It was my best time ever which I ran in Dubai, three hours and 31 minutes.”