Excitement builds ahead of Dubai Marathon

The streets of Dubai will be awash with athletes and spectators tomorrow (January 25th), as the 2013 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon gets underway.Some of the world's most talented long distance runners will go head to head in what is sure to be a thrilling race.The marathon is certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations and is widely regarded as one of the best endurance events on the planet.As you would perhaps expect from such a prestigious and high-profile sporting occasion, there has been a huge amount of interest from potential sponsors.Earlier this week, organisers confirmed that adidas would endorse the event for the third year running.All participants will receive sportswear that has been specially designed for the Dubai Marathon by the German clothing manufacturer."We are delighted to be partnering with adidas as our official outfitter once again, further cementing the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon as a world class sporting event with world class partners," commented event director for the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon Peter Connerton.With so many visitors expected to flock to the emirate, it is important that they all have somewhere to stay.Mr Connerton confirmed the new JW Marriott Marquis Dubai will be the official hotel for the 2013 race.The impressive twin-towered building was recently entered into the record books as the tallest hotel in the world.Standing 355 metres above ground level, the mammoth towers are only 26 metres short of the famous Empire State Building in New York.Mr Connerton said the hotel would create the "perfect backdrop" for the big race."I am sure our elite athletes will enjoy the experience and the unique five-star hospitality on offer," he continued.This is just one of many international sporting events scheduled to take place in the city in 2013.Hotels, apartments and villas throughout the emirate will be in extremely high demand this year, as athletes from across a number of different sports descend on the Gulf.