Geb expected to tower over his opponents in Dubai; competitive women's field

[Ryan]

Dubai, UAE - In the wake of Monday’s opening of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, rising more than 800 metres over the desert floor, the emirate of Dubai awaits the arrival of Haile Gebrselassie, fastest man in the world at the marathon.

Inside a decade, the upcoming Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon (22 January) has gone from a backwater event to become one of the world’s fastest races, and the World marathon record holder has already competed and won here twice.

“Not only has he given us two great races,” said race director Peter Connerton, “the publicity has helped our development. Our participation has doubled since his first run two years ago. I never used to see people running in the street, now I see folks training everywhere.”

IAAF article