(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) As if running a marathon wasn't challenging enough, the city will now hold the world's first 'Midnight Marathon'.
Sticking with the 12 theme, the event launch will be held on December 12, or on 12/12/12. However, the marathon will not actually happen until next December.
One of the sustainable events under the Dubai Green Award, the launch of the historic event will feature celebrities from across the board - including legendary Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan - and will take place over two days in the Dubai Downtown area, officials announced yesterday.
"The Dubai Marathon brings together the diversity of population to celebrate the safe environment, cosmopolitan outlook, active and healthy lifestyle and glorious venues of Dubai. And what could showcase these better than a midnight run in the city that stays awake for its people, round the clock," said the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) business development director Shaikha Ebrahim Al Mutawa.
The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is organising the event under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.
The event, set to become an integral part of the Dubai Calendar of Events according to the DTCM, will be launched at The Atmosphere hotel in Burj Khalifa.
DTCM hotel classification development director Majid Sager Al Marri said the 42-kilometre marathon, which will see the participation of world renowned professional marathoners, will be flagged off with a 3.2km fun run on December 13 at the Burj Park.
The concept matched well with the '24 hour Dubai' initiative that was launched for the Eid celebrations, he said.
The 'No Sun Fun Run' will have various athletes and sports personalities and will be open for residents and visitors including families. Participation will be limited to the first 12,000 who register through a website yet to be launched.
Activities, including games and stage performances by local and international performers, will be arranged from 6pm till midnight on December 13.
The official programme will start at 8pm, followed by the fun run, which will end by 12 midnight at the Burj Park.
Amitabh to grace occasion
Legendary Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan is expected to be among the celebrities who will take part in the launch of Dubai Midnight Marathon event on 12/12/12.
The veteran thespian who recently celebrated his 70th birthday has confirmed his attendance, depending on his physical fitness, the organisers of the event told Khaleej Times.
"We are planning to bring 12 famous celebrities from different fields and different nationalities to this event happening on 12/12/12. Amitabh Bachchan has agreed to come depending on his health conditions then," said Sathar Al Karan, director, Business Development in the Private Office of Shaikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Hamed.
The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing officials said famous sports personalities and the UAE champions in the recently held London Paralympics will also be present.
