Two of the biggest names in sport will join forces for the first time when the 22^nd Dubai Marathon gets underway on February 12, 2023.

Dubai Duty Free, one of the most successful travel retailers in the world and a supporter of sporting events both in the UAE and abroad, will make its first foray into the athletics world as a support sponsor for the oldest marathon in the Middle East.

Sport has been an integral part of Dubai Duty Free’s marketing strategy for nearly 40 years with golf, horse racing and tennis all included in the organisation’s portfolio, and the decision to partner with the region’s biggest international running event has been warmly welcomed by the Dubai Marathon.

“To have the support of a major brand like Dubai Duty Free is a massive boost for the Dubai Marathon, especially since this will be our first event since January 2020,” said Peter Connerton, Managing Director of Pace Events, organisers and promoters of the Dubai Marathon.

“The name of Dubai Duty Free is synonymous with world-class sporting occasions such as the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships so we are honoured to have their support for the 22^nd staging of the region’s oldest international marathon.”

Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Colm McLoughlin said: “Like Dubai Duty Free, the Dubai Marathon is a long-standing fixture on the Dubai landscape, so we are excited about this new partnership. We look forward to working alongside the Dubai Marathon as it returns to the calendar, as well as seeing our own Dubai Duty Free employees who will participate in this exciting event.”

Dubai Duty Free Joint Chief Operating Officer, Salah Tahlak added, “With three races in one morning, it’s a hugely popular event of international standing thanks to a number of world-class performances and record times over the years from many of the sport’s leading long-distance runners.”

While the classic marathon distance will be the focus for elite athletes from around the world, the 10km Road Race and 4km Fun Run are hugely popular events with home-based runners as well as with those “Marathon Tourists” who travel from abroad to take part in international events in many of the world’s leading cities.

“As we work to stage what we believe will be another memorable event, it’s very encouraging to see participant numbers already up on previous years,” added Connerton.

“Runners from the region and further afield like to combine the Dubai Marathon with a few days enjoying the city’s unique tourist attractions. To make sure of receiving a run number, a race pack and a place in the starting line-up, it is important runners sign up now at dubaimarathon.org.”

Runners looking to take part in the Marathon, 10km and 4km runs can register online only until February 11.