The 2009 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon
It is now time for part two of my Dubai trip series- the 2009 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, the main purpose of my visit to UAE's widely popular city-state, Dubai.
The Muscat Road Runners, of course, would not want to miss out on an a big running event such as this one. So off some members went by car, enduring around four hours of road travel. The others simply went by plane and landed at the destination in thirty minutes.
The day of the marathon was also the day before Oman would be at the peak of its football fever due to the 19th Arabian Gulf Cup final. While football fans were caught in excitement after the Oman national football team's victory at the semifinal, the Muscat Road Runners were caught in marathon fever!
Following is a huge set of pictures following the marathon from start to finish, even beginning at the the day before. So let me take you through a photo-blog journey of memorable Dubai Marathon moments, especially for Muscat's active and passionate Road Runners.
The 2009 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is ready for take-off!
left photo: The marathon grandstand outside the Westin, all decked out with banners and ready on the eve
of the big event. + right photo: The marathon start post that very chilly dawn on the day of the marathon.
Chronicles of The 2009 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon
getting the race packets, dinner, morning of the marathon, the marathon itself, after
Thursday, 15th January - Friday, 16th January 2009
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Eve of the Marathon
far left photo: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, the start and end of the Dubai Marathon.
It has caught the marathon fever! + middle photo: The sign above the counter for the race-packet collection of the marathon participants.
far right photo: It's Haile! Right next to the door leading to the room where all the race packet collection tables/counters were set up.
Dinner the Night before
The Muscat Road Runners were together for a carb-filled supper before the big day!
left and right photos: Steve and Paul. Check out the yellow headband Paul unabashedly decided to wear in public, at a
restaurant table. It's from the race packet and it says in black caps, 'So Much More'. So much more what? That's what
we were pondering out loud.
More Dinner Scenes
left photo: Yes, Paul was not alone in shamelessly displaying the race packet's headband.
right photo: Our reserved table number 15. Kidding. We had just three tables and this was the third one.
When the Food Came
Now we get down to business! It is pasta devouring time. far left photo: Table number 1. + last two photos from right: Table 3, of course.
The Pre-marathon Dinner
Table 1. And yes, the dining outlet hosting our communal meal that evening is revealed.
We ate at La Piazza, a restaurant in a line of restaurants at the Mall of the Emirates.
La Piazza
Ha ha, that's Kay in the photo on the right.
The Big Day
Now it's the day of the marathon! We cannot fight it any longer. It was going to come sooner or later. And now it came.
But it was first time to settle those nerves with some group pictures!
At the lobby of MiNC Apartments, where most of us stayed. All for one, one for all!
Outside Dubai Media City
The race was to start from opposite the Westin, outside of Dubai Media City. From MiNC, we travelled to the start
venue in several cabs. It was absolutely freezing. I didn't know what I was going to do. + left photo: 05:56. People are
out and about on the secondary road, pavement and grass field. It looks as if it were still at night. + right photo: 06:03.
People are out on the lawn. The place is busy. Who knew it could be so busy somewhere at such a time. And
in such overwhelming cold! I think I'll die before starting if I have to be in such a temperature when I do the
marathon next year.
The Muscat Road Runners Are Ready
Looking all relaxed, aren't we? "Oh, a full road marathon? It's nothing."
Vests of White, Red and Green
Yes, the colours of the Oman flag. Go, Muscat! Ahmed, my dad and Mark right in front of a TNT truck.
Pre-marathon Scenes
And there are Aukje (running the marathon), Jan (supporting) and Solveig (running the marathon).
Group Pictures!
Go, Muscat, go! Run for Muscat! He he. The Muscat Road Runners group doing the marathon. And that's Lucy over
there on the far left, who did the 10k. And yes, that is Paul in front, with a 'No to Plastic Bags!' t-shirt on top of his vest.
And yes, "No to plastic bags!" was his battle cry when he joined the group in the middle of the photo session.
The Marathon Starting Point
Where all the participants will be standing, anxious to start. Race starts at 06:30, a half-hour earlier than the start time of
the previous year.
Any Moment Now
The few paces right in front of the start post. Everything's just about ready. Haile's pacemaker is even already there (right photo).
On Your Marks
06:34. The gun time for the elite runners had already been shot. It is now about time to start for the participants.
And aw, did that ambulance have to be there!? The spectators, all on that side, were instantly complaining.
"Go to the other side!" But no, the ambulance did not listen. :(
Get Set... Go!
left photo: 06:35. Wait for it, wait for it... + right photo: 06:36. And poof! The runners are off.
After Morning Broke
Yes, there was a downpour shortly after the runners were sent off. While in the cab, we, the MSG (Muscat Support Group,
he he, Deborah's term), I, Deborah, Kate and Deborah's little girl Catherine were worried about Haile and his world record.
What, with the sudden rain! I was surprised. Such rain in Dubai? But, anyway, yes, this is how the roads toward the
halfway turn looked. On the right is the road going to the turn and on the left is the road coming back. So it was
pretty cool how runners who got to know each other during the first half of the race were greeting each other
if one of them happened to be on one side and the other already on the opposite.
Those Damp Roads
Uh-huh.
The MSG!
Yes, the Muscat Support Group. :) Ready to take taxis from spot to spot and to cheer!
Why, we were even asked by a fellow to lend our voice for his chum who was running the race and approaching.
We seriously could have made a business out of our cheering.
But alas, that overcast then slightly sunny yet cool morning, our voices were for the Muscat Road Runners!
left photo: Deborah, Eli, Kate, I and little Catherine. + right photo: Lisa in the middle.
A V.I.P. Approaches
Ha ha! Why, it's Geb and his pacemaker! "Haile has his entire management staff assisting his record attempt. His manager
Jos Hermens is on a motorcycle taking splits and communicating directly with Haile. Trouw alternates between the
motorcycle and the ground providing fluids for Haile. Professor Sean Hartnett, an American GIS instructor, is inside the
timing car recording splits and relying the information to Hermens." -the live text commentary
Geb and Other Elite Runners
Check out their form. They were doing mighty fine at that point. According to the live text commentary
from the Dubai Marathon website: "The split at 20km is 58.29, 21seconds inside world record pace."
They Came and Just Like That, They Were Gone
Did anyone even see what went past? Ha ha! The live text commentary continues: "Haile has what he needs! The split at the
half way point is 61.45, exactly the way he predicted the race will turn out before it even begun." It was a very good start.
Then The Muscat Road Runners Turned up
(From these pictures onward is how the Muscat Road Runners appeared at the race, in chronological time order.)
left photo: 08:11. Rob O'Hanlon following a strong pack. Ha ha. Good job! + right photo: 08:11.
Robert Ambrose. Looking happy and fit!
A Minute Later
My dad, Robert Borjal, shows up. 08:12. Running strong towards the half way turn!
And There They Go
far left photo: 08:14. Solveig. Running steadily at the first half. + middle photo: 08:16. And who is this mystery runner? He was the
first MRR-vested runner to turn up. And when the MSG cheered for him, he turned his head around looking absolutely clueless.
He's already past the half way turn here. Whoa, starting strong! + far right photo: 08:18. There's Paul. All full of energy and cheer.
More Runners Coming!
It pays to be behind the runners you will overtake (trick of the trade). far left photo: 08:18. Jalood and Aukje. middle photo: 08:21. And Robert
Ambrose has passed his halfway turn. + far right photo: 08:21. Here comes Daryl! I wonder what he did to his vest.
Over the Next Minute
08:22. My dad is making his way after emerging from the halfway turn!
And Congratulations, You Are Officially on the Marathon's Second Half
far left photo: 08:22. Still my dad. Yes, keep up those strides. That smile over there is courtesy of the MSG boost. :) See, we're effective.
middle photo: 08:23. And a minute later, Solveig follows! Go, Solveig! Looking happy and good. + far right photo: 08:28. Jalood emerges
from the halfway turn. Just keep going. Good-looking form.
Within the Same Minute
But, of course, on different successive seconds... far left photo: 08:28. Jalood makes his way past. + middle photo: Here follows Aukje!
far right photo: And yes, that is Paul. In a blur. Was he that quick? LOL.
Here Comes Ahmed
08:29. Waving to the MSG, of course. Go, Ahmed!
And Yes, It's Steve McNulty!
08:33. Keep it up, Steve.
Here Come Our Running Buddies
08:33. Steve Sayer and Chris. Go, guys! You make a marathon look like fun. :D
Breezing Past
08:33. Look at them go. That was some great (and enjoyable) running.
Ahmed and Kay!
far left photo: 08:40. Ahmed is now running his second half. And he was still happy. + middle and far right photos: 08:41. Here comes, Kay.
Go, tough lady! Looking happy. Why can't marathons be this great all the way?
Now on the Other Side
More and more of the MRR lot crop up from the halfway turn. left photo: 08:45. Steve McNulty.
right photo: 08:45. Chris and Steve Sayer. Well done, you three!
Running Side by Side
left photo: 08:45. Steve Sayer, running in a backdrop of a fantastic-looking mosque.
right photo: 08:45. There are our running buddies. Steve Sayer and Chris.
These two trained together. All that training definitely paid off, huh.
It's Mark!
08:47. Looking so happy. Great smile! There's the last male from the MRR to come forth from
the halfway turn. Keep going, Mark!
Reaching the 35th Kilometre
Well, it was thirty-something kilometres. far left photo: Check these flowers out. I bet the runners barely noticed them as they were struggling to
keep their cool while approaching the latter tough part of the race. + middle and far right photos: 09:06. Rob O'Hanlon looks like he still has it! Go, Rob.
And Our Next Runners Approach
What a shift in the order. far left photo: 09:10. Solveig. As she approached, this was how the brief conversation went: MSG: "Go, Solveig!"
Solveig: "This is where the pain starts." + middle photo: 09:18. Aukje, Jalood and my dad battle it out. + far right photo: 09:18. My dad slips
some paces back. And Aukje is thinking, "Yes! I can do it!" Ha ha. Good work, guys. Incidentally, this particular photo accompanied the
story I wrote, which was published (along with the photo) in the 27 Jan. '09 broadsheet issue of the Oman Daily Observer.
Here's Some Heavy Duty Running!
far left photo: 09:18. My dad. Yes, just keep going! + middle photo: 09:22. Paul, still looking steady. Although I noticed, by that time,
his light and energy had somehow waned. + far right photo: 09:25. There's Daryl, still going strong!
Ahmed and Steve Approach
first two photos from left: 09:36. There goes Ahmed. Keep it up! You, marathon debutante, you! + far right photo: 09:43. Steve McNulty. Look up!
You're about to hit the woman! Kidding.
And Here Come the Partners in Crime, the Dynamic Duo
Well, they weren't running side-by-side this time. One followed the other with a one-minute
difference. left photo: 09:44. Chris. And his first marathon! Wow, doing good! + right photo:
09:45. Then follows Steve Sayer.
Here Was The State of the Finish
Taken from the marathon grandstand. left photo: The lap road right before the finish. I can only imagine how it feels running
through that point. right photo: The other marathon goers have a party! There were performances on a stage and videos
flashing through the big screen.
The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon Finish Post
Against a backdrop of excessively tall buildings. And yes, the blue and green
balloons make it all look festive. Is there a party? There certainly was.
The Finish Lap
With some Dubai police standing by. What-ever for? Kidding. They all looked kind of silly doing nothing there. Ha ha. Kidding again.
It's Time for the Marathon Finish Frenzy!
Even some runners who had finished early were up in the grandstand cheering on friends still finishing. Well, I noticed only one finished
runner who was cheering. Maybe there were more like him. I really wonder if those running could hear the people high up at the grandstand.
And Here Are Our Finishers!
far left photo: 10:10. Jalood. And still looking good. Once again, the smile courtesy of the MSG. LOL. And ha ha, he is the
'official radio sponsor'. Check that out. :p + middle and far right photos: 10:10. It's Aukje finishing! Great job, woman!
My Dad and Paul
Yay, they finished! far left photo: 10:16. My dad, successfully completing the race. Go, Dad! Way to go! After I took this one picture, I managed
to catch a video of him finishing. It was awesome. All the hard work in training paid off. + middle and far right photos: 10:22. And there goes
Paul! Woot! Nice shades.
Ahmed and the Two Buddies
far left photo: 10:41. Ahmed, finishing his first ever marathon. Fantastic job! And in pretty good time. Not bad! + middle photo: 10:48. It's Steve
Sayer, sprinting with great, big strides to the finish! It was nice to see. Well done! far right photo: 10:49. And here's another marathon
debutante, Chris! Awesome job. Well done! He and Steve really did finish one minute apart from each other.
Our Final Finishers from the Muscat Road Runners!
far left photo: 10:50. Steve McNulty. And he's still looking down! But hey, great job! :D + middle photo: 11:11. Go, Kay! You ran your heart out!
Way to go! + far right photo: 11:23. Mark. Woot! You made it! The balloons cheer for you, too. Ha ha.
Some Post-marathon Pics
It's Paul! Yes, we'd love to hear your stories of how you endured the run and how it felt. :) Any tips, too, shall we want to run a marathon?
Resting at the Grandstand
Chris and Steve. They look like winners. :) It probably feels somehow great to finish a marathon (if you're not overwhelmed
with aches and pain and whatever other trauma). There were runners limping toward the finish. And we found one girl
puking. Aw, that was not good. :(
More Finished MRR's
first two photos from left: Ahmed and Daryl. + far right photo: Chris and Aukje.
Aukje after the Race
If there are any marathon tips we want, then they are the ones coming from you, Aukje! She had an unofficial finish time
of 03:34:20. Rather impressive! Deborah and Eli listen. And there is Chris and then Daryl, too, in the background.
It's Time to Say Goodbye to the Westin
That's a very big hotel. It looked really cool from the outside. He he. left photo: My dad and Ahmed. And
there's Mark in the background, too. Looking all jolly after the marathon. :) How lovely.
right photo: Chris and his wife Kate leaving the Westin, on a sunny day. Yes, the sun did come out!
It was a very, very eventful day. And a rather exciting race, too. I got a sort of high cheering for the runners as they passed, even the ones I didn't know. It felt nice to give encouragement to runners who felt like they needed to summon, not just physical strength, but also mental will and emotional pith to, so to say, 'bear the brunt' (in a marathon's case, it's the 'wall'). In other words, I had so much fun being a marathon supporter, instead of runner. I discovered what great fun it is to cheer at a marathon!
Yet also, I felt a tinge of light green (well, maybe dark green) jealousy for the runners who seemed to have inevitably been enjoying running in the perfect weather. The atmosphere was really nice and it made me look forward to when I'll be doing my own full marathon in the same event.
As for 'perfect weather', it wasn't so perfect when there were all the downpours. To borrow a cliche, it did end up cramping Haile's style.
From the live text commentary:
67.24 at 23k. Haile is 17seconds inside his record, but has drifted off the pace somewhat in the last few kilometers. Lets hope he can maintain this form.
1:49.39 for 37km and for the first time today, Haile is outside record pace. He is not helped by the slight downpour which now threatens to ruin his record efforts. All the forecasts for Friday morning had indicted a slight gale of wind, but it is definetely not often that it rains in Dubai.
Running on wet surfaces is definetely not Haile's idea of attacking a world record, but despite his efforts, the rain comes thumbling down on his dreams.
The last time Haile run on a wet asphalt in April 2006, he got injured and missed out on a big part of that season. He is putting up a brave effort here, but lets hope he emerges from his contest unscathed.
January 16, 2009 9:23 : 1:58.44 for 40km. Haile puts up a good fight, but is now 70seconds off record pace.
The Ethiopian community of around 2000 people are waiting Haile's big finish at the start line. They may have wanted to celebrate a world record today, but Haile should give them the sixth fastest time in the history of the men's marathon. At current pace, his projected finishing time is 2:05.09
Haile crosses the finish line in 2"05.28, unoffuicial time. He kisses his fingers and waves to the waiting crowd.
Haile is not the only runner to suffer from the bad weather. The weather has dampened hopes of various followers who wanted to improve thier personal best in Dubai.
Some typos probably due to fast typing. Ha ha. It was, after all, live coverage!
Congratulations to Haile Gebrselassie, for winning the Dubai Marathon for the second time. He ran the 8th fastest time in the history of men's marathon running when clocking 2:05.29 (unofficial). It wasn't his 27th world record, but I find it refreshing that he's optimistic enough to think this was a good finish time considering his previous marathon running performances in the rain. Well done, Geb!
And from the bottom of my dark-coloured heart (dark coloured what?), congratulations, of course, to the Dubai Marathon finishers from the Muscat Road Runners!
Rob, the two Roberts (my dad included), the two Steves, Jalood, Daryl, Paul, Ahmed, Chris, Mark, Solveig, Aukje and as they say, last but not the least, Kay, you all did very well this year! And I thoroughly enjoyed watching and rooting for each and every single one of you! May you all continue to keep up the good running and strive to run better and more fulfilling marathons. After all, it's not really the finish time that matters. But how you felt after completing the run. And my, it is no joke running 42.195 kilometres! I seriously do not know how you guys did it. And with such grace! He he. May more runners from the MRR join next year's event! Injuries during training are certainly not welcome (I say that with great indignation! ha ha).
So yes, congratulations to the group. It is a pleasure and great feeling knowing that I am running with a group of people who are so dedicated to running, that many in the group take training for and joining races, such as full marathons, seriously. I couldn't ask for a better running group.
Viva, Muscat Road Runners!
The Muscat Road Runners, of course, would not want to miss out on an a big running event such as this one. So off some members went by car, enduring around four hours of road travel. The others simply went by plane and landed at the destination in thirty minutes.
The day of the marathon was also the day before Oman would be at the peak of its football fever due to the 19th Arabian Gulf Cup final. While football fans were caught in excitement after the Oman national football team's victory at the semifinal, the Muscat Road Runners were caught in marathon fever!
Following is a huge set of pictures following the marathon from start to finish, even beginning at the the day before. So let me take you through a photo-blog journey of memorable Dubai Marathon moments, especially for Muscat's active and passionate Road Runners.
The 2009 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is ready for take-off!
left photo: The marathon grandstand outside the Westin, all decked out with banners and ready on the eve
of the big event. + right photo: The marathon start post that very chilly dawn on the day of the marathon.
Chronicles of The 2009 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon
getting the race packets, dinner, morning of the marathon, the marathon itself, after
Thursday, 15th January - Friday, 16th January 2009
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Eve of the Marathon
far left photo: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, the start and end of the Dubai Marathon.
It has caught the marathon fever! + middle photo: The sign above the counter for the race-packet collection of the marathon participants.
far right photo: It's Haile! Right next to the door leading to the room where all the race packet collection tables/counters were set up.
Dinner the Night before
The Muscat Road Runners were together for a carb-filled supper before the big day!
left and right photos: Steve and Paul. Check out the yellow headband Paul unabashedly decided to wear in public, at a
restaurant table. It's from the race packet and it says in black caps, 'So Much More'. So much more what? That's what
we were pondering out loud.
More Dinner Scenes
left photo: Yes, Paul was not alone in shamelessly displaying the race packet's headband.
right photo: Our reserved table number 15. Kidding. We had just three tables and this was the third one.
When the Food Came
Now we get down to business! It is pasta devouring time. far left photo: Table number 1. + last two photos from right: Table 3, of course.
The Pre-marathon Dinner
Table 1. And yes, the dining outlet hosting our communal meal that evening is revealed.
We ate at La Piazza, a restaurant in a line of restaurants at the Mall of the Emirates.
La Piazza
Ha ha, that's Kay in the photo on the right.
The Big Day
Now it's the day of the marathon! We cannot fight it any longer. It was going to come sooner or later. And now it came.
But it was first time to settle those nerves with some group pictures!
At the lobby of MiNC Apartments, where most of us stayed. All for one, one for all!
Outside Dubai Media City
The race was to start from opposite the Westin, outside of Dubai Media City. From MiNC, we travelled to the start
venue in several cabs. It was absolutely freezing. I didn't know what I was going to do. + left photo: 05:56. People are
out and about on the secondary road, pavement and grass field. It looks as if it were still at night. + right photo: 06:03.
People are out on the lawn. The place is busy. Who knew it could be so busy somewhere at such a time. And
in such overwhelming cold! I think I'll die before starting if I have to be in such a temperature when I do the
marathon next year.
The Muscat Road Runners Are Ready
Looking all relaxed, aren't we? "Oh, a full road marathon? It's nothing."
Vests of White, Red and Green
Yes, the colours of the Oman flag. Go, Muscat! Ahmed, my dad and Mark right in front of a TNT truck.
Pre-marathon Scenes
And there are Aukje (running the marathon), Jan (supporting) and Solveig (running the marathon).
Group Pictures!
Go, Muscat, go! Run for Muscat! He he. The Muscat Road Runners group doing the marathon. And that's Lucy over
there on the far left, who did the 10k. And yes, that is Paul in front, with a 'No to Plastic Bags!' t-shirt on top of his vest.
And yes, "No to plastic bags!" was his battle cry when he joined the group in the middle of the photo session.
The Marathon Starting Point
Where all the participants will be standing, anxious to start. Race starts at 06:30, a half-hour earlier than the start time of
the previous year.
Any Moment Now
The few paces right in front of the start post. Everything's just about ready. Haile's pacemaker is even already there (right photo).
On Your Marks
06:34. The gun time for the elite runners had already been shot. It is now about time to start for the participants.
And aw, did that ambulance have to be there!? The spectators, all on that side, were instantly complaining.
"Go to the other side!" But no, the ambulance did not listen. :(
Get Set... Go!
left photo: 06:35. Wait for it, wait for it... + right photo: 06:36. And poof! The runners are off.
After Morning Broke
Yes, there was a downpour shortly after the runners were sent off. While in the cab, we, the MSG (Muscat Support Group,
he he, Deborah's term), I, Deborah, Kate and Deborah's little girl Catherine were worried about Haile and his world record.
What, with the sudden rain! I was surprised. Such rain in Dubai? But, anyway, yes, this is how the roads toward the
halfway turn looked. On the right is the road going to the turn and on the left is the road coming back. So it was
pretty cool how runners who got to know each other during the first half of the race were greeting each other
if one of them happened to be on one side and the other already on the opposite.
Those Damp Roads
Uh-huh.
The MSG!
Yes, the Muscat Support Group. :) Ready to take taxis from spot to spot and to cheer!
Why, we were even asked by a fellow to lend our voice for his chum who was running the race and approaching.
We seriously could have made a business out of our cheering.
But alas, that overcast then slightly sunny yet cool morning, our voices were for the Muscat Road Runners!
left photo: Deborah, Eli, Kate, I and little Catherine. + right photo: Lisa in the middle.
A V.I.P. Approaches
Ha ha! Why, it's Geb and his pacemaker! "Haile has his entire management staff assisting his record attempt. His manager
Jos Hermens is on a motorcycle taking splits and communicating directly with Haile. Trouw alternates between the
motorcycle and the ground providing fluids for Haile. Professor Sean Hartnett, an American GIS instructor, is inside the
timing car recording splits and relying the information to Hermens." -the live text commentary
Geb and Other Elite Runners
Check out their form. They were doing mighty fine at that point. According to the live text commentary
from the Dubai Marathon website: "The split at 20km is 58.29, 21seconds inside world record pace."
They Came and Just Like That, They Were Gone
Did anyone even see what went past? Ha ha! The live text commentary continues: "Haile has what he needs! The split at the
half way point is 61.45, exactly the way he predicted the race will turn out before it even begun." It was a very good start.
Then The Muscat Road Runners Turned up
(From these pictures onward is how the Muscat Road Runners appeared at the race, in chronological time order.)
left photo: 08:11. Rob O'Hanlon following a strong pack. Ha ha. Good job! + right photo: 08:11.
Robert Ambrose. Looking happy and fit!
A Minute Later
My dad, Robert Borjal, shows up. 08:12. Running strong towards the half way turn!
And There They Go
far left photo: 08:14. Solveig. Running steadily at the first half. + middle photo: 08:16. And who is this mystery runner? He was the
first MRR-vested runner to turn up. And when the MSG cheered for him, he turned his head around looking absolutely clueless.
He's already past the half way turn here. Whoa, starting strong! + far right photo: 08:18. There's Paul. All full of energy and cheer.
More Runners Coming!
It pays to be behind the runners you will overtake (trick of the trade). far left photo: 08:18. Jalood and Aukje. middle photo: 08:21. And Robert
Ambrose has passed his halfway turn. + far right photo: 08:21. Here comes Daryl! I wonder what he did to his vest.
Over the Next Minute
08:22. My dad is making his way after emerging from the halfway turn!
And Congratulations, You Are Officially on the Marathon's Second Half
far left photo: 08:22. Still my dad. Yes, keep up those strides. That smile over there is courtesy of the MSG boost. :) See, we're effective.
middle photo: 08:23. And a minute later, Solveig follows! Go, Solveig! Looking happy and good. + far right photo: 08:28. Jalood emerges
from the halfway turn. Just keep going. Good-looking form.
Within the Same Minute
But, of course, on different successive seconds... far left photo: 08:28. Jalood makes his way past. + middle photo: Here follows Aukje!
far right photo: And yes, that is Paul. In a blur. Was he that quick? LOL.
Here Comes Ahmed
08:29. Waving to the MSG, of course. Go, Ahmed!
And Yes, It's Steve McNulty!
08:33. Keep it up, Steve.
Here Come Our Running Buddies
08:33. Steve Sayer and Chris. Go, guys! You make a marathon look like fun. :D
Breezing Past
08:33. Look at them go. That was some great (and enjoyable) running.
Ahmed and Kay!
far left photo: 08:40. Ahmed is now running his second half. And he was still happy. + middle and far right photos: 08:41. Here comes, Kay.
Go, tough lady! Looking happy. Why can't marathons be this great all the way?
Now on the Other Side
More and more of the MRR lot crop up from the halfway turn. left photo: 08:45. Steve McNulty.
right photo: 08:45. Chris and Steve Sayer. Well done, you three!
Running Side by Side
left photo: 08:45. Steve Sayer, running in a backdrop of a fantastic-looking mosque.
right photo: 08:45. There are our running buddies. Steve Sayer and Chris.
These two trained together. All that training definitely paid off, huh.
It's Mark!
08:47. Looking so happy. Great smile! There's the last male from the MRR to come forth from
the halfway turn. Keep going, Mark!
Reaching the 35th Kilometre
Well, it was thirty-something kilometres. far left photo: Check these flowers out. I bet the runners barely noticed them as they were struggling to
keep their cool while approaching the latter tough part of the race. + middle and far right photos: 09:06. Rob O'Hanlon looks like he still has it! Go, Rob.
And Our Next Runners Approach
What a shift in the order. far left photo: 09:10. Solveig. As she approached, this was how the brief conversation went: MSG: "Go, Solveig!"
Solveig: "This is where the pain starts." + middle photo: 09:18. Aukje, Jalood and my dad battle it out. + far right photo: 09:18. My dad slips
some paces back. And Aukje is thinking, "Yes! I can do it!" Ha ha. Good work, guys. Incidentally, this particular photo accompanied the
story I wrote, which was published (along with the photo) in the 27 Jan. '09 broadsheet issue of the Oman Daily Observer.
Here's Some Heavy Duty Running!
far left photo: 09:18. My dad. Yes, just keep going! + middle photo: 09:22. Paul, still looking steady. Although I noticed, by that time,
his light and energy had somehow waned. + far right photo: 09:25. There's Daryl, still going strong!
Ahmed and Steve Approach
first two photos from left: 09:36. There goes Ahmed. Keep it up! You, marathon debutante, you! + far right photo: 09:43. Steve McNulty. Look up!
You're about to hit the woman! Kidding.
And Here Come the Partners in Crime, the Dynamic Duo
Well, they weren't running side-by-side this time. One followed the other with a one-minute
difference. left photo: 09:44. Chris. And his first marathon! Wow, doing good! + right photo:
09:45. Then follows Steve Sayer.
Here Was The State of the Finish
Taken from the marathon grandstand. left photo: The lap road right before the finish. I can only imagine how it feels running
through that point. right photo: The other marathon goers have a party! There were performances on a stage and videos
flashing through the big screen.
The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon Finish Post
Against a backdrop of excessively tall buildings. And yes, the blue and green
balloons make it all look festive. Is there a party? There certainly was.
The Finish Lap
With some Dubai police standing by. What-ever for? Kidding. They all looked kind of silly doing nothing there. Ha ha. Kidding again.
It's Time for the Marathon Finish Frenzy!
Even some runners who had finished early were up in the grandstand cheering on friends still finishing. Well, I noticed only one finished
runner who was cheering. Maybe there were more like him. I really wonder if those running could hear the people high up at the grandstand.
And Here Are Our Finishers!
far left photo: 10:10. Jalood. And still looking good. Once again, the smile courtesy of the MSG. LOL. And ha ha, he is the
'official radio sponsor'. Check that out. :p + middle and far right photos: 10:10. It's Aukje finishing! Great job, woman!
My Dad and Paul
Yay, they finished! far left photo: 10:16. My dad, successfully completing the race. Go, Dad! Way to go! After I took this one picture, I managed
to catch a video of him finishing. It was awesome. All the hard work in training paid off. + middle and far right photos: 10:22. And there goes
Paul! Woot! Nice shades.
Ahmed and the Two Buddies
far left photo: 10:41. Ahmed, finishing his first ever marathon. Fantastic job! And in pretty good time. Not bad! + middle photo: 10:48. It's Steve
Sayer, sprinting with great, big strides to the finish! It was nice to see. Well done! far right photo: 10:49. And here's another marathon
debutante, Chris! Awesome job. Well done! He and Steve really did finish one minute apart from each other.
Our Final Finishers from the Muscat Road Runners!
far left photo: 10:50. Steve McNulty. And he's still looking down! But hey, great job! :D + middle photo: 11:11. Go, Kay! You ran your heart out!
Way to go! + far right photo: 11:23. Mark. Woot! You made it! The balloons cheer for you, too. Ha ha.
Some Post-marathon Pics
It's Paul! Yes, we'd love to hear your stories of how you endured the run and how it felt. :) Any tips, too, shall we want to run a marathon?
Resting at the Grandstand
Chris and Steve. They look like winners. :) It probably feels somehow great to finish a marathon (if you're not overwhelmed
with aches and pain and whatever other trauma). There were runners limping toward the finish. And we found one girl
puking. Aw, that was not good. :(
More Finished MRR's
first two photos from left: Ahmed and Daryl. + far right photo: Chris and Aukje.
Aukje after the Race
If there are any marathon tips we want, then they are the ones coming from you, Aukje! She had an unofficial finish time
of 03:34:20. Rather impressive! Deborah and Eli listen. And there is Chris and then Daryl, too, in the background.
It's Time to Say Goodbye to the Westin
That's a very big hotel. It looked really cool from the outside. He he. left photo: My dad and Ahmed. And
there's Mark in the background, too. Looking all jolly after the marathon. :) How lovely.
right photo: Chris and his wife Kate leaving the Westin, on a sunny day. Yes, the sun did come out!
It was a very, very eventful day. And a rather exciting race, too. I got a sort of high cheering for the runners as they passed, even the ones I didn't know. It felt nice to give encouragement to runners who felt like they needed to summon, not just physical strength, but also mental will and emotional pith to, so to say, 'bear the brunt' (in a marathon's case, it's the 'wall'). In other words, I had so much fun being a marathon supporter, instead of runner. I discovered what great fun it is to cheer at a marathon!
Yet also, I felt a tinge of light green (well, maybe dark green) jealousy for the runners who seemed to have inevitably been enjoying running in the perfect weather. The atmosphere was really nice and it made me look forward to when I'll be doing my own full marathon in the same event.
As for 'perfect weather', it wasn't so perfect when there were all the downpours. To borrow a cliche, it did end up cramping Haile's style.
From the live text commentary:
67.24 at 23k. Haile is 17seconds inside his record, but has drifted off the pace somewhat in the last few kilometers. Lets hope he can maintain this form.
1:49.39 for 37km and for the first time today, Haile is outside record pace. He is not helped by the slight downpour which now threatens to ruin his record efforts. All the forecasts for Friday morning had indicted a slight gale of wind, but it is definetely not often that it rains in Dubai.
Running on wet surfaces is definetely not Haile's idea of attacking a world record, but despite his efforts, the rain comes thumbling down on his dreams.
The last time Haile run on a wet asphalt in April 2006, he got injured and missed out on a big part of that season. He is putting up a brave effort here, but lets hope he emerges from his contest unscathed.
January 16, 2009 9:23 : 1:58.44 for 40km. Haile puts up a good fight, but is now 70seconds off record pace.
The Ethiopian community of around 2000 people are waiting Haile's big finish at the start line. They may have wanted to celebrate a world record today, but Haile should give them the sixth fastest time in the history of the men's marathon. At current pace, his projected finishing time is 2:05.09
Haile crosses the finish line in 2"05.28, unoffuicial time. He kisses his fingers and waves to the waiting crowd.
Haile is not the only runner to suffer from the bad weather. The weather has dampened hopes of various followers who wanted to improve thier personal best in Dubai.
Some typos probably due to fast typing. Ha ha. It was, after all, live coverage!
Congratulations to Haile Gebrselassie, for winning the Dubai Marathon for the second time. He ran the 8th fastest time in the history of men's marathon running when clocking 2:05.29 (unofficial). It wasn't his 27th world record, but I find it refreshing that he's optimistic enough to think this was a good finish time considering his previous marathon running performances in the rain. Well done, Geb!
And from the bottom of my dark-coloured heart (dark coloured what?), congratulations, of course, to the Dubai Marathon finishers from the Muscat Road Runners!
Rob, the two Roberts (my dad included), the two Steves, Jalood, Daryl, Paul, Ahmed, Chris, Mark, Solveig, Aukje and as they say, last but not the least, Kay, you all did very well this year! And I thoroughly enjoyed watching and rooting for each and every single one of you! May you all continue to keep up the good running and strive to run better and more fulfilling marathons. After all, it's not really the finish time that matters. But how you felt after completing the run. And my, it is no joke running 42.195 kilometres! I seriously do not know how you guys did it. And with such grace! He he. May more runners from the MRR join next year's event! Injuries during training are certainly not welcome (I say that with great indignation! ha ha).
So yes, congratulations to the group. It is a pleasure and great feeling knowing that I am running with a group of people who are so dedicated to running, that many in the group take training for and joining races, such as full marathons, seriously. I couldn't ask for a better running group.
Viva, Muscat Road Runners!