Female participation increases to 25 per cent in the 42kms main run


Dubai, January 06, 2003: While Wilson Kibet will have his sights set on a fourth successive men's title, a number of international female athletes will be aiming for their first Dubai gold when Samsung Dubai Marathon 2003 hits the road this Friday, on January 10, 2003. Favorites in the women's category include runners of the calibre of Irina Permitina of Russia, and young Ethiopian hopefuls Sisay Measo Arsede and Jiringo Getachaw.
 
“It may not just be record breaking numbers at the starting line: With impressive fields lined up in both the men's and ladies' divisions for the 42.195 km main race of the day, Dubai could also be about to see some record-breaking performances. We have seen a meteoric rise in the number of female participants and this year we will witness an even stronger contingent,” said Mr. D.K.Byeon, Managing Director, Samsung Gulf Electronics, the event’s title sponsor.
 
With event organizers expecting a record turnout of more than 10,000 athletes in the Marathon, including the 10km Road Race and the 3km Fun Run, there is huge interest in the event, which is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Minister of Defence and Crown Prince of Dubai.
 
With just four days remaining, time is running out for athletes wishing to rub shoulders with the best of international distance running.
 
"We fully expect to have more competitors taking part than ever before," said Mr. D.K. Byeon. “But we still have places for other runners and we will welcome anyone who wants to take part, particularly in the 3km Fun Run,” he added.
 
Samsung Dubai Marathon 2003 is held under the auspices of the Association of International Marathons and Road Races (AIMS). The Marathon, which is now firmly established in the International Road Race calendar, is being held for the fifth time under AIMS’ supervision.
 
Dubai World Trade Centre will once again provide the facilities for the start and finish of the marathon, and the increasingly popular 10km Road Race, and 3km Fun Run.
 
Open to everyone, registration for the marathon can be done at the City Centre stall in Deira or online at www.dubaimarathon.org or www.samsungmea.com. On the evening of the 10th, the company has also organised what is described as “the greatest dance night Dubai will ever see,” Space Ibiza, which will feature world-renowned DJs Joyce Mercedes and Steff Navarro in the Big Top at Mina Seyahi from 9pm. Tickets for the event can be purchased online at www.itptickets.com, or by calling 800-4669.
 
-Ends-
 
About Samsung Electronics

Founded in 1969 in Korea, Samsung Electronics today has 25 production bases worldwide and 59 sales subsidiaries in 46 countries. Samsung Electronics global strategy involves eight main regions: North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Middle East & Africa (MEA), China, CIS and Latin America. Based on its vision of ‘digital convergence' where everything will be integrated through networks, Samsung Electronics has currently positioned itself into four main business units, Home Network, Office Network, Mobile Network, and Core Components, producing the world's most innovative digital products. Currently, Samsung Electronics is the world's largest computer display manufacturer.

For further information, please contact:

Prem Ramachandran/ Dhanraj Walvekar
ASDA'A Public Relations,
Burson-Marsteller exclusive affiliate in the Middle East
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971-4-3344550
Fax: +971-4-3344556
Email: info@asdaa.com


© Press Release 2003