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Supported by Dubai Sports Council, Middle East’s Oldest International Road Race to Welcome Runners from Over 140 Countries Dubai, UAE – The organising committee of the Dubai Marathon has officially opened registration for the 25th edition of the iconic race, set to take place on February 1, 2026. Celebrating its silver jubilee, the Dubai Marathon – the Middle East’s oldest international road race – will mark a significant milestone in its illustrious history with special activities and elite-level competition. Held with the continued support of the Dubai Sports Council, the race is renowned for its flat, fast course that has attracted elite athletes and running enthusiasts from across the globe. With participation expected from over 140 countries, the event remains a cornerstone on Dubai’s sports calendar and a key fixture in the global marathon circuit. Recognised as the first race in the region to earn the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label, the Dubai Marathon has become synonymous with record-breaking performances and world-class participation. Legendary athletes have tackled the route, including Haile Gebrselassie who famously recording the second-fastest marathon time in history during his first appearance in Dubai in 2008, a feat that solidified the race's global standing. Dubai Sports Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the event, highlighting its contribution to the city’s international sports profile and its significant economic impact, particularly through tourism and hospitality. Over the past 25 years, the Dubai Marathon has grown into one of the top ten marathons in the world, drawing top-tier athletes and thousands of amateur runners each year. Alongside the full 42.195km marathon, the 2026 edition will feature a 10km road race and a 4km fun run, offering an inclusive experience for participants of all fitness levels. Registration is now open via the official website dubaimarathon.org Race Director Peter Connerton said: “In coordination with the Dubai Sports opening of registration for the 25th Dubai Marathon. To mark the silver jubilee, we are preparing a year-long series of special events leading up to race day. “Since the inaugural edition, the Dubai Marathon has steadily risen to the top tier of global road racing. Highlights such as the 2008 race featuring Haile Gebrselassie and the ground-breaking 2018 event where seven runners clocked sub-2:05 times for the first time in marathon history have cemented its place among the world’s most prestigious marathons.” Recent editions have seen rising stars make their mark. In 2017, current Olympic champion Tamirat Tola took victory, while in 2019 reigning world marathon champion Ruth Chepngetich made her marathon debut with a win in Dubai. Earlier this year, Ethiopian runner Bute Gemechu clinched the men’s title on his debut appearance with a time of 2:04:51, while compatriot Berdatu Hirpa secured the women’s title in 2:18:27, surpassing her personal best after a thrilling duel with 2023 winner Dera Dida. Ahmed Al Kamali, General Coordinator of the Dubai Marathon, emphasised the city’s unmatched infrastructure and readiness to host global sporting events. “Dubai offers world-class facilities, a highly advanced transportation network, and diverse accommodation options, making it an ideal destination for international events,” he said. “The marathon plays a major role in promoting Dubai as a leading tourist and sports hub. We look forward to welcoming runners from around the world as we celebrate the silver jubilee of the Dubai Marathon, the first international marathon in the Middle East.”

A line-up featuring a former world marathon champion, a former marathon world record holder and international city marathon winners from around the globe will line up when the 2025 Dubai Marathon gets underway in the UAE on Sunday (January 12). Staged under the auspices of the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Marathon will celebrate its 24 th anniversary with thousands of runners taking to the area around the iconic Burj Al Arab less than two weeks into the new year. Among them will be a man with special memories of the city. Ethiopian Lelisa Desisa exploded on to the world marathon scene by winning a compelling Dubai Marathon back in 2013. It was the start of a running journey that took him to running glory at the Boston Marathon in 2013 and 2015, the New York Marathon in 2018 before being crowned World Marathon Champion in Doha in 2019. But while Desisa was one of the most successful marathon runners pre-pandemic, the man with the fastest time in the field is Kenyan star Dennis Kimetto – and although his 2:02:57 in Berlin was set a decade ago it was the first sub 2:03 in marathon history and stood for four years. Kimetto has won three big city marathons during his career – Chicago, Tokyo and Berlin – breaking the course record at each and has fond memories of the UAE having won the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in 2012, a feat matched by Desisa two years later in 2014. In the women’s elite field, 2022 Sydney Marathon winner Tigist Girma heads the line- up with a marathon personal best of 2:18:52, while compatriot Zeineba Yimer – winner of the 2023 Barcelona Marathon – and fellow Ethiopian and 2023 Dubai Marathon champion Dera Dida will also have title ambitions for the weekend with personal bests of 2:19:07 and 2:19:24 respectively. The elite men and women competing in the 24 th edition of the Middle East’s oldest and fastest international marathon gathered to meet sponsors and media at a pre- event press conference. “The Dubai Marathon is one of the oldest sporting events on our calendar and a very important date for the city,” said Ali Omar Al Balooshi, Director of Sports Events Department, Dubai Sports Council. “We are delighted to see so many established athletes with us once again and look forward to a memorable race on Sunday.” But while the focus may have been on those who have already produced fast times at the world’s greatest marathon venues, a host of up-and-coming athletes are waiting in the wings ready to write their own headlines in a race renowned for creating new champions. In the past, the men’s race has seen victories for the likes of Desisa, reigning Olympic Champion Tamirat Tola and course record holder Getaneh Molla (2:03:34), while last year’s women’s race witnessed a new course record from Tigist Ketema (2:16:07), a record time for a woman making her marathon debut. Making his Dubai debut this year is British Paralympian Richard Whitehead MBE, marathon world record holder for athletes with bilateral knee amputations who ran the 2024 Chicago Marathon in a record-breaking 2:41:36 in October. A multi-gold medal winning Paralympian in London (2012) and Rio(2016), Whitehead has also achieved four World Championship titles and is looking forward to his first attempt at the Dubai Marathon. “I love the camaraderie of the events, how they embrace all ages, all cultures, and all abilities,” he said. “I think running as an athlete who lives with a disability enables people to see that anything is possible, if you believe in yourself.” The international elites will now spend the eve of the event completing last-minute training on the streets and roads of the city before tackling the 42.195km route that starts on Umm Suqeim Street in the shadow of the Burj Al Arab. Late registration for the Marathon, the 10km Road Race and the 4km Fun Run can made online only at dubaimarathon.org with the final chance for run number collection being Saturday (January 11). And for runners looking for transport, RTA Dubai has announced that the Dubai Metro will be open from 5am on race morning. The 2025 Dubai Marathon is supported by the Dubai Sports Council, adidas, the Channel 4 Radio Network, ITP Media Group, XIAOMI, JETOUR, Bisleri Water, Dubai RTA, Dubai Police and Dubai Municipality and SIRO One Za'abeel, the first fully integrated Fitness + Recovery hotel in Dubai.

The Dubai Marathon is proud to announce Xiaomi as an official partner for the 2025 event in a move that highlights Xiaomi’s ongoing commitment to promoting sports, innovation, and a healthy lifestyle. The collaboration brings together a global leader in smart technology and one of the most prestigious marathons in the world, which will be staged for the 24th time on Sunday, January 12. One of the Middle East’s most recognised events and an iconic race attracting participants from around the world, the Dubai Marathon offers a unique platform for athletes, enthusiasts, and spectators. And the involvement of Xiaomi – a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company – reflects the brand’s dedication to enhancing the marathon experience through innovation, creating a smarter, healthier world for all. “We are thrilled to welcome Xiaomi as an official partner for 2025,” said Dubai Marathon Event Director Peter Connerton. “This collaboration combines the spirit of athleticism with Xiaomi's passion for innovation, perfectly complementing our goal to inspire and motivate runners of all levels.” The partnership is expected to further elevate the event’s status as one of the region’s premier marathon races and the fastest race of its kind in the Middle East. With Xiaomi’s support, the marathon is set to deliver an engaging, memorable experience for participants and fans across the Middle East and around the world. Registration for the Dubai Marathon, the 10km Road Race and the 4km Fun Run can still be made online at dubaimarathon.org. The 2025 Dubai Marathon is supported by the Dubai Sports Council, adidas, the Channel 4 Radio Network, Xiaomi, ITP Media Group, Bisleri Water, Dubai RTA, Dubai Police and Dubai Municipality.

The Angkor Ultra-Trail : an undeniable success for 2024! On Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 January, one of the most original trails in the world took place: the Ultra-Trail d’Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia! Nearly 1,500 participants took part in one of the six events set in the heart of the Angkor ruins. Organised by the French organisation SDPO with technical support from Phoenix Voyages Group, this 7th edition was once again a great success, offering trailers and walkers from 51 countries thrilling sensations and moving memories between jungle, temple, rice fields and sporting challenge ! “The Angkor Ultra Trail is not just a race; it’s a celebration of cultural heritage, a test of physical and mental limits, and a journey through time”, said event organiser Jean Claude LE CORNEC. “We are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and dedication of the participants, as they not only conquered the demanding terrain, but also paid tribute to the historical significance of Angkor.” The event offered a unique opportunity for athletes to explore the rich history of the Khmer Empire while pushing their own limits. Runners took to the course past iconic temples such as Prassat Ta Som, Phnom Bok, Beantay Samre, Prae Rup, Prassat Kravan, Takeo, Ta Nei, Bayon and the Terrace of the Elephants, where ancient stone structures and delicate carvings bore witness to centuries of history. Angkor: an incredible playground For all committed enthusiasts, setting foot on this thousand-year-old site, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is an unprecedented privilege. The 400 km² of the Angkor site at the gateway to the town of Siem Reap was their “preserve” for a few hours! A trail among the greats Now a national event in Cambodia, it took just 7 years for the Angkor Ultra Trail to become one of the finest races in Asia. Set up by SDPO and Jean Claude Le Cornec with the technical support of Phoenix Voyages, the Ultra Trail d’Angkor has become one of the great trails and one of the events where you can score points in the ITRA rankings. On the podiums were some familiar faces, some unknown, some fans of this UTA. The honour goes to the excellent Chinese runner NI Yusheng, who completed the 100km course in the excellent time of 9h 14mn 17sec (New record) and to WEI Xianshuang, 1st female in 11h 51mn 13 sec (New record). There were many other performances on the 32 km Jungle Trail; RANN Narun (Cambodia) in 2h 07’ 10 and CZUCZ Balint, (Hungary) 1st woman in 2h 32’ 52 pulverised the times. Specialists will appreciate that the course is not conducive to achieving this time. A time that will be hard to improve on in future editions. CNOPS Vanja (Belgium – women) won the scratch race in the marathon. Other celebrities at the start of this year’s race include Ngo Vo, Adidas and COROS Vietnam ambassador, Kim Saroeun, a distinguished Cambodian runner, Laurie Phaï, the event’s godmother, Patrick Bauer, the creator of the Marathon des Sables, Hubert Rocher, one of the founders of the Marathon du Médoc, and navigator Romain Attanasio, who is preparing for the VENDEE GLOBE. RÉSULTS of the ULTRA TRAIL D’ANGKOR 2024 Résults du l’UTA 100 km 1H. NI Yusheng 9h 14’ 17 (Nouveau record) 1F. WEI Xinshuang 11h 51’ 13 (Nouveau record) Résults du Bayon Trail 64 km 1H. PAGANI Livio 5h 55’28 1F. GAARDHOLM MARI Kittel 6h 21’ 17 Résults du Marathon Trail 42 km 1H. SAM Rachna 3h 21’ 27’ 1F. CNOPS Vanja 3h 18’ 54 Résults du Jungle Trail 32 km 1H. RANN Narun 2h 07’ 10 (Nouveau record) 1F. CZUCZ Balint 2h 32’ 52 (Nouveau record) Résults du Temple Run 18 km 1H. PLANTEGENET Pol 1h12’ 30 1F. BAILLIART Clarisse 1h 26’ 53 NOUVEAU Résults du Elephant Trail 8 km 1H. ATTANASIO Romain 36’ 37 1F. PHAI Laurie 36’ 37 (Nouveau record) L’UTA IN BRIEF : ✓ 1500 coureurs ✓ 51 nationalités ✓ 100 km balisés ✓ 3 ONG aidées ✓ 50 staffs (SDPO, Phoenix et Khmers) ✓ 50 villageois bénévoles sur les ravitos ✓ 8 masseurs encadrés par un professionnel (kiné – osthéo) ✓ 50 autocars minis bus ✓ 20 motos & 6 quads ✓ 10 tuk tuk ✓ 6 hôtels partenaires ✓ 2 tonnes de fruits frais et secs ✓ 900 soupes cambodgiennes ✓ 250 kg de glace SPECIAL THANKS SDPO et Phoenix Voyages would particularly like to thank his Altesse Royale le Prince Tesso Sisowath, Director of Ballet Royal of Cambodge, son Excellence Dr Thong Khon, Senior Minister for the Development of the Sport Movement and Chairman of the Comité National Olympique Cambodgien, son Excellence Madame Dr Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts and Chair of the APSARA Authority’s Board of Directors, , his S.E. Vath Chamreoun, Secretary of State and Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, Son Altesse Royale le Prince Thomico Sisowath, Mr Jacques Pellet, French ambassador, the vice-governor of Siem Reap province, as well as the Royal Gendarmerie, the Royal Police and the Royal Army. SDPO and Phoenix Voyages would also like to extend their warmest thanks to all the partners of the Angkor Ultra Trail, without whom the race would not be possible : SDPO, PHOENIX Voyages, RUNNING Attitude, COMITE NATIONAL OLYMPIQUE CAMBODGIEN, MINISTRY OF TOURISM, APSARA, V ACTIVE Sports, KRUD, DEVI Naturel Mineral Water, QUAD ADVENTURE, MEE CHIET, GP3E, BRB, TRACE DE TRAIL, RCD Pilotage, PIROG, SAMATA Aquaroma, SALA BAÏ, ABC and RICE, INSTAVOX, AVENIR Pub, RUNNING Attitude, GYMWOLF, PAUL DUBRULE, JAYA, LE MARATHON DU MEDOC, Parrain de l’événement… Now a must-have in the trail calendar, the Angkor Ultra Trail will meet you on January 18 and 19, 2025.

Region’s Fastest Half Marathon to Return on February 1, 2025. Early Registration for Rak Half Marathon: Worlds Marathon and Ahotu Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 15 July 2024: Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will return for its 18th edition on Saturday 1 February 2025, with four races staged on Al Marjan Island. Hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is a firm favourite attracting community runners and international elites alike. Featuring the 21.1km half marathon race, the event will also offer races at 10km, 5km and 2km runs for athletes of all ages and abilities. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said: “We are excited to announce the return of one of the most highly anticipated global sporting events in the Nature Emirate for the 18th year. The race never fails to produce world-class champions and we look forward once again to welcoming back an incredible line-up of elite athletes, sporting enthusiasts and tourists from across the globe”. With the registration process now open, front runners can take advantage of the event’s early registration promotion, secure their places on the start line and enjoy special entry fees until September 30. The early registration fee for the Half Marathon itself is USD50 (AED185) with the 10km, 5km and 2km Road Races costing USD30 (AED110), USD20 (AED74) and USD10 (AED37) respectively. “With six months to go, we are pleased to be able to launch an early registration promotion for those runners who want to secure their places in the race of their choice,” said Peter Connerton, Managing Director of Pace Events and Race Director of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon. “The running community will have over three months to take advantage of the Early Registration Promotion before prices revert on October 1, and we look forward to welcoming early registrations from regular runners as well as from those keen to test themselves for the first time on the fast and flat roads of Al Marjan Island.” In February, Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko and Tsigie Gebreselama of Ethiopia took the men and women’s titles in the 2024 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, which to date leads World Athletics’ Competition Performance Rankings for half marathons staged anywhere in the world in 2024. Making his third appearance in Ras Al Khaimah, Mateiko stormed home in a time of 58:45 to win by five seconds from compatriot John Korir with fellow Kenyan Isaia Lasoi in third. In the women’s 21.1km race, Ethiopian Gebreselama smashed her personal best by more than 30 seconds to win in 65:14 from 2020 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon champion Ababel Yeshaneh also from Ethiopia. Tanzania’s Jacklin Sakilu took a surprise third place finish beating her personal best by more than three minutes.

The iconic Standard Chartered Marathon sets foot in Vietnam as Standard Chartered announced its title sponsorship for the Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race, starting 2024. The first Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race, is scheduled to take place on November 3rd, 2024, running through the vibrant streets of Hanoi’s old quarter. This is the first mass participation event title sponsored by Standard Chartered in Vietnam, a market with deep roots and a long heritage since 1904. The inaugural race will be a key milestone as the Bank commemorates its 120th year anniversary in Vietnam in 2024. Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race will be the 10th race in the Standard Chartered Marathon franchise, which is renowned worldwide for its celebration of endurance, unity, and the pursuit of excellence, upholding high international race standards. Standard Chartered has had a rich history of hosting prestigious marathons worldwide since 1997. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is the Bank’s first marathon and the biggest one with the participation of over 70,000 runners pre-covid. This race, along with Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon which is attracting 50,000 runners in 2023, is categorized as World Athletics Gold Label. Ms. Michele Wee, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam, said: “We are very proud to be the title sponsor, bringing the first edition of the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race to Hanoi, an event that celebrates the richness of culture and heritage, which resonates with Standard Chartered as one of the oldest international banks in Vietnam. Leveraging the expertise from our Standard Chartered Marathon franchise, we aim to bring the best of traditions and modern race technology to elevate the experience for all." “The Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race will be a race for everyone – bringing people from all walks of life together to stay active and lead a healthy lifestyle, while binding our community through the shared values of resilience and determination,” she said. “Vietnam is a key market in our global footprint. We continue to invest more into the country to better serve our clients, colleagues and the community. Being a title sponsor of a prestigious marque event here reinforces our commitment to Vietnam. We are here for the long run. We are here for good.” she added.

Among women, Ivyne Lagat wins in 2h24’36" and writes her name in the roll of honor With 2h06’24" the Kenyan Asbel Rutto sets the new race record The Last Cup was awarded to Julia Khvasechko 129 flags are waving on the starting line ROME – Rome woke up to a magnificent day, with the sun caressing all the runners and illuminating their smiles, their desire to party and add a new piece of history to the thousand-year history of this city. Record number of participants and foreigners, male race record, exceptional conditions to embark on the journey towards the 30th birthday on March 16, 2025. There were the volunteers of the Roman Legion Historical Group who gave a solemn character to the start of the most attended sporting event in Italy by making the ancient shoes resonate while the musical band of the Municipal Police Corps of Rome Capital sang the Anthem National under the watchful eye of the Colosseum. It was then the Councilor for Major Events, Sport and Tourism of Rome Capital Alessandro Onorato who gave the official start at 8.30 am to around 19 thousand marathon runners, almost 11 thousand from abroad, who set off in the four waves to go and conquer the streets of the Eternal City. 40 thousand hearts fueled by the strength of the values of sport, friendship, solidarity, the desire to redeem obstacles. Before the official start, departure at 8.25 for the Inix pushers and the wheelchair athletes including the Paralympic athlete Toni Milano. THE POPE’S GREETING TO THE ANGELUS – "I welcome with pleasure the participants in the Rome Marathon, the traditional celebration of sport and brotherhood. Also this year, on the initiative of Athletica Vaticana, numerous athletes are involved in the “relays of solidarity”, becoming witnesses of sharing", Pope Francis’ comment at the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square. FINISH (MEN) – Final solo by the Kenyan Asbel Rutto who with 2h06’24" (2’59"/km) wrote a new course record, improving the 2:06:48 of the Ethiopian Bekele Tefera Fikre who won it in 2022 and his personal best of almost 3’. Place of honor for Brian Kipsang in 2h07’54" followed by Sila Kiptoo in 2h08’08" who precedes a long trail of ten Kenyans. Great race by Edgardo Confessa (Km Sport) who rose to 14th position and closed his efforts in 2h26’02" (3’28"/km). Silver medal for Ettore Scardecchia (Asd Running Evolution) in 2h28’33" followed by Fabrizio Meoli (Int. Security) with 2h29’15". “Winning in such a beautiful city with a new race record is a great emotion. I struggled several times on the cobblestones but I was very sure of my condition and my goal. True, the last 10km I was a little tired and I suffered a little from the heat but the motivation was very high. I’m not at all surprised by my move to the half marathon so early: my legs responded well and I wanted to give my best. I managed to admire this fantastic city a little and I have to thank the large audience who supported me throughout the entire journey,” said the winning Kenyan. FINISH (WOMEN)-Victory with an extraordinary personal best for the Kenyan Ivyne Lagat who finishes her efforts in 2h24’36 “(3’25” / km). The women’s podium was completed by Kenyan Lydia Simiyu in 2h25’10" and Ethiopian Emebet Niguse in 2h26’41". Tenth overall was the first of the Italians Denise Tappatà (Stamura Ancona) who crossed the finish line in 2h47’50" (3’59"/km), followed by Paola Salvatori (US Roma 83) in 2h50’48" and Damiana Monfreda (Amatori Atl Acquaviva) in 2h55’10". “What a satisfaction to win in Rome, I’m very happy with my performance. I improved my personal marathon time by about 16 minutes. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I loved racing in Rome with a huge audience applauding me. I struggled in the last 5km of the race but I held on because I wanted this result too much,” said the winner. Acea Run Rome Photos – 2024

Participants share a moment of celebration on the LCW red carpet In this interview series, Ahotu will be speaking with the people behind some of the most unique races across the globe. We’ll be discussing the history of the event, challenges and how to overcome them, attracting sponsors, reaching new runners and more! Thanks for joining us Matthias. For those that don’t know you or the LCW Belgium, could you please introduce yourself and the race? Of course! My name is Matthias Lievens and I act as Race Director for the Belgian version of the Long Course Weekend. I’m a passionate sports enthusiast and event organizer, a combination that led me to this role. After I took part in Long Course Weekend Wales back in 2019, I was immediately sold. I was captivated by the event’s unique atmosphere and knew I had to bring this experience to Belgium. Fast forward five years, we’re the biggest multi-sport event in Belgium and are currently making preparations for our 4th (and biggest) edition this September. For those new to the Long Course Weekend format, how does the event work? How does it differ from a regular triathlon? Long Course Weekend is a one-of-a-kind sports event. Over a single weekend, we host a series of 11 races, that span across 3 disciplines over 3 days: swimming, cycling and running. What really makes our event stand out is how it lets each participant customize their own sports-packed weekend just the way they like it. Athletes have the option to compete in a full triathlon (over 3 days), mix and match disciplines according to their own preference, or focus on a single discipline. Because we offer a variety of disciplines and distances, Long Course Weekend Belgium really has something for everyone. You could be a pro athlete, a total newcomer, or a family looking for a fun day out. The Long Course Weekend also takes place in the UK, New Zealand and Spain. What does the Belgian version offer participants? Apart from our unique concept, what really makes our race stand out is its location, Nieuwpoort. The city offers an amazing spot for swimming in the inner harbour and serves as the perfect starting point for our cycling and running courses. Our bike courses wind through historic World War sites, Flanders Fields and the classic cobblestone streets. The 180k course also features the famous Kemmelberg (a notable hill amongst the otherwise relatively flat Flanders landscape), adding an extra challenge for the cyclists. The running courses, on the other hand, are flat, making them excellent for beginners or those looking to break their personal running records. The courses take you through the beautiful polders and along the coastal scenery of Nieuwpoort and nearby areas. And then, there’s the grand finale: all our races end with a big, vibrant red carpet finish. It’s a special moment for every finisher, with friends and family cheering on the sidelines as they receive their well-deserved medal. Matthias oversees the various races that make up the Long Course Weekend Belgium How long has the race been taking place and how has it grown? This year’s weekend over the 20th – 22nd of September will be our 4th edition. Each year, we’ve seen a strong increase in the number of participants. This includes both new faces getting into the concept, as well as returning athletes who are keen to take on more disciplines than before. So far this year, the sign-up numbers are already looking great. We’re actually expecting to double our participant count from the 2023 edition, which is super exciting for us. Which countries do your participants come from? Last year, we welcomed participants from over 30 countries, which was really exciting for us. Naturally, a lot of our athletes come from neighboring countries like the Netherlands, Germany, the UK and France. But what’s truly thrilling is seeing a growing number of participants traveling from far-off places to join us here in Belgium. We’ve had athletes from as far as South Africa, Chile and the Philippines. It feels fantastic to welcome these international participants and offer them a unique experience in our event. We’re pleased to work with Ahotu to increase our international participation and reach. Thousands of participants take part from 30+ countries across the globe There are a lot of moving parts to your event, with various distances, race formats and thousands of participants. What logistical challenges does this represent? Each day has its own challenges. On Swim Day, we have around 500 athletes in the water, where anything can happen. To ensure safety, we deploy a large team of rescuers and first-aiders who remain on high alert along the sidelines, ready to respond at a moment’s notice. Bike Day brings its own set of complexities. We are committed to designing one-loop courses, which, especially for the 180k distance, is quite a logistical feat. However, this setup greatly enhances the experience for our participants, making the effort worthwhile. The most demanding day, though, is Run Day. With thousands of runners on the course simultaneously, managing the aid stations becomes a critical task. Ensuring that all athletes have access to their nutrition at the right times is crucial for their performance and safety. This requires meticulous planning and coordination to keep everything running smoothly and to provide the best possible experience for all involved. What is your favourite thing about putting on the event? This has to be the 4th medal ceremony on Sunday. This is where we celebrate all the full Long Course Weekend finishers. It’s a truly special moment, each finisher walks through a guard of honour to receive their well-deserved and unique fourth medal. They’ve given their all for 3 straight days and this is the time we celebrate their incredible effort and achievement. Besides that, there’s a huge sense of relief and satisfaction for me at the end of the event. Knowing that our team pulled off another epic event, providing a unique experience to so many different people, each with their own stories, is immensely rewarding. At this moment, with the weight lifted off my shoulders, I already begin to look forward to the next edition! LCW races offer participants the chance to test themselves across multiple disciplines Are there any partners / sponsors you would like to shout out? We’ve had amazing partners over the years helping us build this event. A huge thanks to our host city, Nieuwpoort, our sport nutrition partner Etixx and Bodycross for our LCW merchandise. Thanks to SwimTribe for the swim training sessions and Peaks for wetsuit rentals on swim day. We’re pleased to be working with Ahotu to increase our digital reach and help even more participants across the globe discover and enjoy our unique race weekend. There are so many more who contribute to making this event a success and we’re grateful to each one of them! Where else do Long Course Weekend organise events? The Long Course Weekend events are held in several awesome places. Of course the original one in Wales, then we’ve got New Zealand, a cool dual-edition in Mallorca and as of 2024, we’ve added Yorkshire to the mix! Each location has its own unique vibe and elements to the concept. What would you recommend participants do during their time in Belgium? The city of Nieuwpoort and the beach of Nieuwpoort. You can take a walk along the harbour channel and visit the largest pleasure port in Northern Europe. You can also check out the Albert I monument and more in the city and the surrounding area. Hungry? Try the Flemish beef stew, Moules-frites or of course Belgian chocolate! After your sporting challenge, reward yourself with a Belgian beer! If you have a bit more time, consider visiting the stunning medieval cities of Bruges and Ghent. Both cities are renowned for their historical charm, picturesque canals and rich cultural heritage. They are definitely worth a visit and offer a delightful taste of Belgian history and culture. The LCW Belgium offers a wide range of distances and disciplines to enjoy When is the next edition of the Long Course Weekend Belgium? The next edition is from the 20th to 22nd of September, check out our Instagram for regular updates on the race @LCWBelgium Interested in taking part? You can register for the 2024 edition of the Long Course Weekend Belgium on Ahotu – Long Course Weekend Belgium To feature in our interview series you can drop us an email on blog@worldsmarathons.com Interested in promoting your race with World’s Marathons or Ahotu? Contact us on partners@worldsmarathons.com

The X-Bionic Lake Garda 42 attracts 2,000+ runners from across the globe In this interview series, Ahotu will be speaking with the people behind some of the most unique races across the globe. We’ll be discussing the history of the event, challenges and how to overcome them, attracting sponsors, reaching new runners and more! Thanks for joining us Jan. Could you please introduce yourself and the race for those who aren’t familiar? Thank you for having me, my name is Jan Bruns and I’m the race lead for the X-Bionic Lake Garda 42. I have been organising sporting events since the beginning of my professional career and I’m always motivated and inspired by the happy faces of the participants. When we came up with the idea of organising a marathon at Lake Garda, I was immediately hooked. I’ve always been active in sport myself and have taken part in many races, whether triathlons, runs or bike races. The X-Bionic Lake Garda 42 is an event that takes place in spring on the shores of the beautiful Lake Garda in Italy. A running event, which allows participants to run a marathon or half-marathon along the shores of the lake. Not only a race but a pure running experience with side events, expo, gastro area and cheering zone. How long have you been organising the X-Bionic Lake Garda 42? In 2020, our event agency took over the traditional “Lake Garda Marathon” event to revive the marathon with passion, innovation and with a renewed focus on sustainability. Due to the pandemic we were forced to cancel the 2021 edition of the race, but that didn’t stop us and in fact, we managed to organise a special edition Lake Garda 42 – EditionZero! in view of the first official edition of Lake Garda 42 which took place in April 2022. The first edition of Lake Garda 42, with its side events, attracted 2,000 runners, from 37 countries. We were proud to have almost half of our LG21 race were women and we hope to continue to grow female representation at our races. In the 2023 edition we had 1,000 runners for the LG42 marathon, 1,640 runners for the LG21 half marathon and 60 young runners for the LG Kids run. We are optimistic that for the 2024 edition participation across all distances will increase significantly and we look forward to welcoming more runners from across Europe and the globe. What makes the race unique? The course in the extraordinary setting of Lake Garda makes it unique for sure. Participants run on the cycle/pedestrian alongside the shores of the lake, through the streets of charming towns, all set amongst a breathtaking landscape where the mountains meet the lake. Our event doesn’t start at the start line and doesn’t end at the finish line. It’s a weekend filled with side events and a range of elements which make it a unique race, including the ferry which transports participants across the Lake for the race start! The X-Bionic Lake Garda 42 allows runners to enjoy a stunning lakeside course What are the challenges with organising the race in such a popular location? In my view there are two main challenges. The first one involves co-ordinating the infrastructure across four different locations during the event. The challenge to get both participants as well as race supples and equipment to the different start lines in Limone sul Garda (for the marathon) and Arco (for the half-marathon) and then back to the accommodation after the finish in Malcesine requires a lot of planning and coordination during the race weekend. The second one is all around the safety for our participants on the course. We have to close two main roads and the event requires hundreds of volunteers to prepare the course with feeding zones as well as to handle the traffic and road closures. Our team and our volunteers do a fantastic job in creating a well-organised event with a great atmosphere. What does the course offer participants? A lot, for sure the lake view for around 2/3 of the marathon course is spectacular. But also, the combination of grand snowcapped mountains during Spring and the atmosphere in and around the race. For me, a personal highlight is always when the race passes the narrow streets in the old city centre of Limone and Malcesine and the agricultural roads near to Arco. The race is designed not around securing a PB, but to allow participants to enjoy a unique running experience combined with Italian dolce vita. What is your favourite thing about putting on the event? I’m always motivated and inspired by the happy faces of the participants. One of my favourite things is to see our runners excited and the sense of pride at the finish-line. Knowing that our hard work made it possible for people from all over the world to enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful parts of Italy is a very satisfying feeling! Runners passing the Scaliger castle of Arco What are your main marketing channels to promote the race and reach more runners in Italy and overseas? We use different channels to promote the race and to reach passionate runners. Our first line of engagement is through social media through our Facebook and Instagram accounts. We send regular email newsletters to keep our community informed and engaged and we also place flyers and billboards in local hotspots to create a buzz within the community. Of course on the international side we work with Ahotu and World’s Marathons to reach runners from overseas. We also partner with PR agencies to ensure widespread coverage and to enhance our visibility, as well as collaborating with partners, exhibitors, sponsors and other running events. Are you taking any measures to improve the sustainability of the event? * We aim to be as sustainable as possible not only during the race weekend but all year round. Where possible we work with local suppliers to strengthen the region, offer free shuttle services (including ferries) to reduce car use and minimise the impact on the roads during the race weekend. Going forward we are always looking at ways we can reduce our impact on the environment. Are there any partners/sponsors you would like to shout out? Since the beginning, a very important partnership has been and still is with our host regions and municipalities; Garda Trentino, Limone, Malcesine and Trentino, without their cooperation and support the race wouldn’t be possible. Of course our title partner X-Bionic, a global brand that’s renowned as an innovator in the world of sport and that shares many of our values in terms of quality, our international outlook and the desire to achieve maximum performance. All of our partners play a role in making the race what is it, it wouldn’t be possible to organise a race like this without their support and likewise that of our volunteers and the local communities where the race takes place. Mountains and lake views are on offer throughout the course When is the next edition of the X-Bionic Lake Garda 42 and where can participants go to find out more? The next edition is from the 12th to the 14th of April 2024, check out our Instagram for regular updates on the race @LakeGarda42 Interested in taking part? You can register for the 2024 edition of the X-Bionic Lake Garda 42 on Ahotu To feature in our interview series you can drop us an email on blog@worldsmarathons.com Interested in promoting your race with World’s Marathons or Ahotu Marathons? Contact us on partners@worldsmarathons.com

Bostjan presenting a well deserved medal to one of the 2,000 UTVV runners in 2023 In this interview series, Ahotu will be speaking with the people behind some of the most unique races across the globe. We’ll be discussing the history of the event, challenges and how to overcome them, attracting sponsors, reaching new runners and more! Thanks for joining us Bostjan. We are delighted to be working with Ultra Trail Vipava Valley for 2024, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and the race? Thank you, we’re delighted to be working with you and it’s my pleasure to introduce myself and the race to runners. I’m the race director and co-founder of the Ultra Trail Vipava Valley. It was the first Ultra Trail race of 100k to take place in the country and allows runners to experience the Vipava Valley, a region in southwestern Slovenia, known for its picturesque landscapes, vineyards, and historical significance. How long have you been organising the race and what led you to create it? We launched UTVV in 2015, 2024 will be our 9th edition! In the beginning, there was an idea to showcase the beautiful trails of the Vipava Valley and to invite people to start running, to challenge themselves, and to commit to a more fulfilled life. UTVV was founded by a group of passionate local climbers/alpinists who had access to ideal conditions for endurance training all year-round right behind their houses, so we wanted to give this opportunity to the wider population. How many participants do you get and where do they typically come from? E.g. how many countries, participants etc. We now have over 2,000 runners from more than 40 countries across the globe. Most of them come from Europe (Italy, Croatia, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Germany, France, Netherlands, and the UK) but we increasingly see overseas countries such as the US, Canada etc taking part. We feel we have a race that offers a unique perspective on the country and we are delighted to host runners from all corners of the globe. With distances ranging from 10k to 160k the course covers a large area including the valley itself, mountains and ridges. What challenges does this present to you and the organising team? We are covering around 230km of trails around the Vipava Valley. This brings a big challenge with logistics, course marking, and keeping the event safe. Luckily we have great support from local communities. A big challenge is to gather and co-ordinate 500 volunteers, all of whom contribute to making the event what it is. I am proud that we made this challenge an opportunity and one of the biggest selling points of the event, since most of our volunteers come from the Valley and help to create a vibrant authentic atmosphere for all the runners during the race weekend. The runners can feel the local vibe of the Valley and are welcomed at more than 15 aid stations run by the locals who call the Valley home. How do you What changes have you noticed in the trail / ultra running scene over the course of your time organising UTVV? Since 2015 a lot has changed, but the core of trail running remains the same, fast-moving over beautiful landscapes, which gives you a sense of freedom, joy, and positive energy. I would say many services have become more professional and thus more efficient and available (timing, safety services, logistics planning, marketing approaches at different races) so the race in some ways is easier to organise than in the beginning – there is a lot more knowledge about organising a trail race than in 2015. In 2015 there were very few races (in Slovenia) in the market, now you can find a race somewhere in Slovenia most weekends throughout the year. Most importantly, more and more people are getting familiar with trail running and I think our initial goal, to present this sport to the people is going in the right direction. The different distances have names related to Roman ranks e.g. Centurion, Legionair etc, could you tell us a bit about the history of the location and the link to Roman history? The Vipava Valley has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, including the Roman period. During the Roman Empire, the Vipava Valley was part of the province of Venetia et Histria. The Romans established settlements in the region, and the Vipava Valley was an important agricultural and trade area due to its fertile land and strategic location. The most important event in that area from the Roman period dates back to 394AD when The Battle of the Frigidus, also known as the Battle of the Frigid River, took place between the forces of the Roman emperors Theodosius I and Eugenius. The battle occurred near the Frigidus River (now the Vipava River), in the Vipava Valley. The Frigidus River marked the border between the Western and Eastern Roman Empire. The outcome of the battle had important consequences for the Empire. Theodosius I became the last sole ruler of the entire Roman Empire, and for the last time in history reunited the East and West, and Christianity for the first time in history became the main religion in the Empire and the known World. By connecting to the Roman story, UTVV would like to show the cultural heritage of the Valley on one side and, whilst also offering our modern-day warriors (runners / outdoor enthusiasts) an opportunity to display a warrior mentality in overcoming the challenge each distance offers. We believe trail running allows participants to explore their potential and evolve as individuals. Our races Emperor (160 km), Centurion (100 km), Gladiator (60 km), Legionar (30 km), and the shorter Asterix (15 km) and Castra runs (10 km), all offer participants a unique and challenging way to enjoy the Valley. Finishers of our longest distance (Emperor 160km) receive an Emperor’s ring upon reaching the finish line, while the winner receives the Emperor helmet and a sword as a trophy. Finishers of the 160km race receive the UTVV Emperor ring at the finish line With a range of distances on offer, from 10k to 160k… what can participants expect from the course(s)? We like to offer a wide range of distances to allow everybody to take part. UTVV is a festival of trail running and the shorter distances ensure everyone can participate and experience the magical atmosphere that the race weekend generates. We hope to encourage those new to the sport to challenge themselves and perhaps to eventually to the start line of the Emperor race. The UTVV offers a unique trail-running experience with our stunning landscapes, diverse terrain, and historical heritage. Runners participating in UTVV can expect to run amongst picturesque vineyards, orchards, and the rolling hills of the Slovenian countryside. The longest 160km Emperor completely encircles the Valley and on the west part of the track crosses the border into Italy. The majority of the tracks are well-marked trails through forests to more challenging sections with elevation changes – most of the trails are single trails, dirty roads, a few km of gravel roads, and some short paved sections. On the trails are runners always welcomed with more than 15 aid stations supported by the local clubs and communities, which offers an authentic taste of the Valley. What advice would you have for those tackling UTVV for the first time? I would advise runners that the distance and elevation can be deceiving, many previous participants have commented that the race was more difficult than expected. Mostly because of the specific karst terrain with many little stones on the ridge trails, the uphills can be steep, downhills technical. It is worth coming earlier and testing the terrain before raceday, so you can be better prepared for the “battle” later. The weather is usually pleasant for running, somewhere between 10 – 25c in recent years! The North wind Bora, can be cold and very severe, so runners would be wise to prepare for the elements just in case. It is well worth keeping a close eye on the forecast for this race! What are your ambitions for the race over the coming years? The race is growing steadily each year and is becoming one of the biggest and most important races in the region. As organisers, our aim is to grow the race whilst maintaining the authenticity of the event and to ensure we are connected with the local communities. Ensuring runners experience world-class endurance race supported by the local community all to create a vibrant atmosphere. An electric atmosphere at the start of the 160km race at Ultra Trail Vipava Valley Any races, sponsors or companies you would like to shout out? You could shout out your other races here as well. We are really happy to have a long-lasting partnership with the Vipava Valley and Slovenian Tourist Boards which recognise the race as an important event that generates important recognition amongst the outdoors and endurance community. We are thankful to the chocolate brand Alive and footwear specialist Scarpa who supported us for several years for now and helped us to create this amazing story. We are always open to exploring partnerships that will benefit participants. What else would you recommend participants see whilst visiting Slovenia? Any must-see sights etc you would recommend. Slovenia is a wonderful if somewhat hidden gem, especially in April. You can move quite freely through different amazing places like; Postojna cave, Predjama castle, river Soča, lake Bled, Kranjska Gora, capital city Ljubljana, Piran, Lipica, the wonderful wine cellars of Vipava Valley and our amazing Julian Alps and surrounding mountains. Slovenia boasts a wealth of stunning landscapes including the Julian Alps When is the next edition of UTVV and where can participants go to find out more? The next edition is from the 26th to 28th April 2024, check out our Instagram for regular updates on the race @UTVVSlovenia Interested in taking part? You can register for the 2024 edition of the UTVV on Ahotu – Ultra trail Vipava Valley To feature in our interview series you can drop us an email on blog@worldsmarathons.com Interested in promoting your race with World’s Marathons or Ahotu? Contact us on partners@worldsmarathons.com