Dubai: Qatar’s world-class high-jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim has been confirmed as guest of honour at the Nike We Run Dubai event to be held on December 19 in Downtown.
Organisers Nike have invited 2014 World Indoor Championship gold medallist Barshim, who won bronze at the 2012 London Olympics, as a special guest for the 10km run.
Barshim was named Arab Athlete of the Year in 2013 by the Mohammad Bin Rashid Creative Sports Award and he said he was happy to return to the city that gave him such an honour.
“I am excited, but not surprised, to see such a large number of registrants for the run. We are witnessing a running and fitness boom in the Middle East like never before and I can feel this excitement. The attraction of such a strong field is a testament and reflection of how the culture of sports and fitness is taking over,” Barshim said.
Registration for the race, which is being held in coordination with the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), closed on Thursday.
Held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of DSC, the race is part of the global Nike We Run Series hosted by 14 cities across Europe, Latin America and Asia.
