byLarry EderThe Official presser of the 2020 Standard Chartered Marathon was held in style, at the opulent Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The second floor was the specific spot, which gave the assembled media a fantastic view of the architectural jewels of Dubai: the Burj Al Arab. The official presser began with speeches by Rola Abu Manneh, CEO of Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, Khalid Al Malik, Director of Dubai Holding, Jessica Kodan, Manager, Events and Community Engagement, Dubai Holding, and Peter Connerton, Event Director, Dubai Marathon.
SC Dubai Marathon presser, photo by Larry Eder
In the first speech, spoken in English, Standard Chartered CEO Rola Abu Manneh,ended with ” I wish every one of you a safe and successful race.This is without doubt one of the biggest social and sporting events on the regional calendar. If you’re coming along to cheer your friends and family, make sure that you say hello to the volunteers and officials who work tirelessly to make it a great day out for everyone. “
The speech by Khalid Al Malik, Managing Director of Dubai Holding spoke on the participation of the Emerati community in the Dubai Marathon, noting that 200 Emerati women in 2019 competed in the 4k, 10k and marathon, a 21 percent increase from 2018.
Jessica Koden, Manager of Events and Community Empowerment at Dubai Holding, spoke about the #MyCity_MyRace’ campaign to encourage UAE Nationals to participate in the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon events.
And finally, Peter Connerton, Event Director of the Dubai Marathon since its inception, gently reminded the assembled media and elite athletes that this event, modestly began some twenty-one years ago, has developed into nearly 30,000 strong celebration of running in the UAE.
