Marathon running is as much about fancy dress, taking part and doing it for a good cause than it is chasing an elusive time and personal goal.
And Friday’s Dubai Marathon was no different as 30,000 runners took to the roads and tackled either the 42.195km marathon distance, 10km race or 4km fun run.
Here, we round-up some of the stories from the race. With so many feel good moments and stories, it’s difficult to track down them all – so email to be included in this piece: stuartappleby@sport360.com.
ROUND-UP
Among the runners was Casper Larsen, a 33-year-old employee benefits consultant, who came home in 03:58:59 despite running in a full suit.
He said: “I’m feeling very hot and tired but happy! You go through different emotions during the race, the first 10-15km is fine when everyone is cheering but when the temperature starts to rise you start to consider why you are doing this?”
Larsen is currently training for a 250km self-supported ultra endurance event in Morocco in April and felt like he wanted to test himself to the maximum before he takes on that challenge.
“I’ve run Dubai Marathon many times and I thought I might as well do something very different. I’ve seen online other marathons where it’s become a bit trendy to run in a suit.”
Michiel Schroeder caught the attention of many throughout the marathon course with his Fred Flintstone costume while 30-year-old Brian Keane carried a weighty backpack to make the marathon test even harder.
WELL DONE TEAM ANGEL WOLF!
Elsewhere, Team Angel Wolf – a CDA licensed non-profit entity which encourages the inclusion of people with disabilities and for society to embrace their own health – completed the marathon as five people pushed those with disabilities in chariots for almost four hours and 30 minutes.
“To be honest, I’m feeling very emotional as this is probably the first race I’ve done when it’s not just me and Rio (my son),” said Nick Watson, founder of Team Angel Wolf.
“Pushing the chairs and seeing other runners push other children has been three years of hard work to get to this day so the future is bright, thank you.”
TEAM NIKE
Nike Run Club Dubai runners were out in force, with many people competing in the marathon and other runners pacing team-mates for sections of the race.
ADIDAS RUNNERS DUBAI
Loads of Adidas runners took to the city’s streets on Saturday in various races while pacers also helped club colleagues.
Head to Adidas Runners Dubai Instagram for more.
RAISING AWARENESS FOR AL JALILA FOUNDATION
Angus MacKinnon ran for the Al Jalila Foundation in a gorilla costume, well played sir! Incredible effort!
Angus MacKinnon makes his way towards the finish line.