Upon visiting the Dubai Marathon website, I got to read this update:

ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR WORLD’S RICHEST MARATHON

With just over a week to the start, it’s all systems go as the countdown continues to the 2014 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon.

Commuters travelling down Umm Suqeim Road outside the Dubai Police Academy will see the huge grandstands taking shape as event organisers start to build the start/finish lanes that will welcome more than 20,000 runners on January 24.

In addition to the grandstands, construction workers and the event’s associated sponsors will – over the next few days – also create a Marathon Fun Zone alongside the start and finish line, which will provide an entertainment and F&B area for athletes and their families at the world’s richest marathon.

And with the imposing figure of the iconic Burj Al Arab in the background, the stage is taking shape for the biggest mass participation sporting event in the Middle East…

Now, I am really starting to get excited about the race! Hopefully, my body holds up, my training comes through, and the weather cooperates! If only I was faster and could get some of the change from the world’s richest marathon – oh well, at least I will get to run the same course as those who will win the world’s richest marathon!

Current weather forecast for the Dubai Marathon