January 22nd, 2015

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon Goes Global with IEC in Sports

The organisers of the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, which takes place tomorrow (Friday), have appointed IEC in Sports to distribute the global media rights for the event, on an exclusive basis with immediate effect.

The deal runs through to the end of 2018, with an option to continue for an additional four years. In addition to international media rights distribution, IEC is providing executive TV production consultancy and management.

This includes TV graphics & data integration, satellite transmission for live broadcast, digital streaming, social media clips and highlights show production.

Major overseas broadcasters have already confirmed their intention to air the race including Direct TV Latin America, Sky Mexico, SuperSport, Zuku Sports and Fox Sports Asia, with more to follow.

“We are delighted to appoint IEC in Sports to work closely with Dubai Sports Channel, our host broadcaster, to bring the biggest marathon in the Middle East to the world” said Ahmad Al Kamali, President of the UAE Athletics Federation.

Rashed Amiri, General Manager, Dubai Sports Channel, added: “Dubai Sports Channel has been the host broadcaster of the Dubai Marathon since its start in January 2000. We have had a very successful partnership with the organisers and this year the scale of production will bring more quality to the richest marathon in the world. We have allocated special equipment and operators to make this year’s edition a very special one.

“Viewers worldwide will have the chance to watch all stages of the marathon live and enjoy the race and the landscape of the city. The Marathon has proved to be one of the best sports event in Dubai and we are delighted to be the official host broadcaster once again.”

Organisers have confirmed that fellow Ethiopians Kenenisa Bekele, three-time Olympic gold medallist, and Lelisa Desisa – winner of both the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon and the Boston Marathon in 2013  – will both be in the men’s line-up with an eye on breaking the World Record.

“It’s an incredible field with more than 20 men who have all run under 2:10 for the marathon,” said Event Director Peter Connerton.

“Kenenisa has already had a better start to his marathon career than other legends who have made the step up – including Paul Tergat and our three-time winner Haile Gebrselassie – so his participation here in Dubai has really caught the sport’s attention.”