Al Marmoom To Host World’s Longest Desert Ultramarathon

Dubai will make endurance history this December when it hosts the world’s longest desert ultramarathon in the spectacular Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.

Being held under the umbrella of Dubai Sports Council from December 11-15, the Al Marmoom Ultramarathon will be the ultimate measure of athletic endurance, testing physical strength and mental stamina as runners cross 270km of desert landscape in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.

The prize value totals US $80,000 in cash, trophies and medals, making it the biggest purse in the world for an ultramarathon. All finishers will be awarded certificates and medals.

“We are happy to support this event, which is the longest desert ultramarathon in the world,” said His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, at Wednesday’s press conference. “It will test the endurance of the athletes, but what excites us even more is that this is an environment-friendly event which will showcase the fascinating beauty of Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve across five days.

“We are also excited about the stories that will be coming out of the Al Marmoom Ultramarathon – tales of true grit and the indefatigable human spirit because conquering 270 kilometres of the unforgiving desert terrain demands nothing less.

“We will have the world’s best ultramarathon runners coming here for the event, and to make sure they have an unforgettable experience, the organisers are going that extra yard to provide the best tracking system, and the best onsite medical and emergency facilities for the participants.”

The Al Marmoom Ultramarathon offers a choice of three distances: the world’s longest desert ultra-run of 270km that will take place across 5 days, as well as continuous 100km and 50km ultra runs. All three distances are self-sufficient, across mixed desert terrain.

Base camp will be situated beside the lakes in Al Marmoom and will include tents, medical assistance, water and basic refreshments. The routes will include regular check points where there will be water, time keeping, medical and race crew.

Event Director Ruth Dickinson said: “The Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is a very special setting for the world’s ultimate race. Our aim is to offer the world’s elite ultra-running community and recreational ultra-runners the opportunity to experience this stunning landscape, whilst achieving a world first – the longest desert ultra-run.

“We will offer participants the highest standards of health and safety and we would like to thank our event partners who have been enthusiastic.”

Runners will be kept on track by the latest tracking technology supplied by SamTech Middle East. Personal devices will provide live tracking of each runner as well as timing technology. They will also provide a ‘panic’ button that will alert emergency services if there is a medical issue and where the runner can be located. This technology will also provide continuous tracking and timing for the race organisers, media and spectators and will be available to view on a variety of mediums, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, social and mainstream media.

The important task of keeping the runners hydrated will be met by Al Ain Water, who will provide all the water required for the runners, the race management team and crew.

Water will be distributed to the runners on a calculated rationed and regular basis to ensure hydration needs are met. Hydration stations will also be situated every 10kms on the routes.

International elite ultra-runners will take on the Al Marmoom Ultramarathon 270km route, which is divided into four segments: two 50kms runs, plus continuous 70km and 100km runs. The two additional ultra runs taking place at the same time will be over 100km and 50km distances.

Participants will follow specific routes and the course will be marked every 500 metres.

Race director, Danil Bornventure said: “Al Marmoom Ultramarathon will take runners to the limit of human endurance, testing physical strength and mental stamina. Every runner has a personal goal, and our goal is to help them achieve it. The three distances of 270 km, 100 km and 50 km offer an opportunity for a range of abilities and experience to compete and participate.”

Dubai Municipality, the Venue Partner will host the event in Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the largest of its kind in the Arab world. It stretches across 10 per cent of Dubai’s land, and is part of a conservation initiative to promote Dubai’s commitment to a sustainable environment, providing a balanced ecosystem for thousands of wild animals and migratory birds, and includes environmental, cultural and sports-related activities.

Eng. Alya Abdulrahim Alharmoudi, Director of Environment Department at Dubai Municipality, said: “International events like this Ultramarathon can work as an awareness tool due the high number of fans following such events and promote the site among the competitors and general public in order to show the great conservation efforts by Dubai Municipality and other related authorities working side-by-side to achieve the strategic plans of the Emirate of Dubai. Dubai Municipality always happy to collaborate with related authorities.”

Al Marmoom Ultramarathon is open to ultra-runners over 18 years who provide a medical certificate attesting to their ability to participate in a race of this type as well as an ECG print-out dated less than 30days prior to the race.

The race includes male and female athletes with race rankings for Top 3 male and female runners for each distance and teams. There will be special recognition awards for Emirati male and female competitors and male and female veterans (over 50) as well as individual stage rankings.

Jeanette Mertz, an elite ultra-runner and Marathon des Sables 2018 competitor is looking forward to the very special experience of running in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.

“It’s such a prestigious event, a unique opportunity to explore the unspoiled spectacular desert reserve home to the Arabian Oryx, sand foxes, mountain gazelles and other flagship species of the desert,” she said.

The UAE has a strong ultra-running community with UAE ultra-runners setting records, and they are delighted that a world record breaking ultra-run is being organised in Dubai.

Dr Khaled Al Suwaidi, Rahma Run-327km finisher and UAE ultra-running champion, is enthusiastic in his support for the Al Marmoom Ultramarathon.

“As an Emirati ultramarathon athlete, I truly believe that the beautiful landscape we have in the UAE is an ultramarathon runner’s paradise,” Al Suwaidi said. “We are blessed to be able to run in all types of terrain. Hosting the world’s longest desert ultra-run here in the UAE shows that the respective authorities are willing and capable of hosting such events and many more in the upcoming years.”

Al Marmoom Ultramarathon will promote sustainability and conservation legacy. The start/ finish arch will be made of wood, as well as the uniquely designed trophies and medals. The base camp will be using solar power, and utilising sustainable services and waste management. The race management are working closely with Dubai Municipality to ensure the Al Marmoom Ultramarathon is setting the highest possible environmental standards and to minimise the impact on the landscape and wildlife.

Registrations are open and can be done online: http://www.ultramarathon.ae/registration.html