Aspire Zone To Host the 2nd Edition of its Marathon Race: The International 6:50 Race

Doha, October 28 (QNA) - Aspire Zone will host the second edition of its premier running marathon, Aspire International 6:50 Race, on Friday, October 31st. Since its establishment; Aspire Zone remains committed to servicing the highest sporting demands ranging from hosting major sporting events to training, as it places particular emphasis on long distance running. Tipped to be one of the highlight events of Qatar's 2014 sports calendar the Aspire International 6:50 Race will include completing 10 laps of a specifically designed 5km track at the Aspire Zone grounds in less than six hours. There will also be a relay option for teams of five who wish to participate in this challenging yet rewarding event. The 6:50 Race will honor the winners of the 7 categories including: The 10th International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) 50km World Trophy Final Male/Female, Open Race Male/Female Overall, Open Race Male/Female under 40, Open Race Male/Female 40+, Open Race Male/Female 50+, Relay Team Male/Female/Mix and GCC Champion Male/ Female The 10th IAU 50km World Trophy Final is considered the highlight of the event; as this is the first time IAU has brought such a world class event to the GCC featuring 40 of the worlds finest ultra-long distance runners. Abdulla Al Khater Events Manager at Aspire Zone commented: "We are honored to be hosting the second edition of the Aspire International 6:50 Race in Qatar in the coming days and we are delighted with the expected turnout. By having prestigious events such as this one and the IAU 50km World Trophy Final in the country, it also helps to raise Qatars profile as a sporting nation." Phil Anthony, one of the sport's top male long distance runners said: "I am very happy to be participating in this event, as it is always rewarding to have the opportunity to run at my personal best. Im an endurance runner that comes from a triathlon background, so the course at Aspire Zone is absolutely perfect for this. Emily Harrison, a fellow IAU top runner added: "I am honored and excited to have been invited to participate in this year's 50k World Trophy Final at a world class facility. I hope to represent well and take advantage of this unique opportunity." Abdulla Mohamed Nasser Al Hemeidi, one of the contestants in the 50 KM race "I am ecstatic to be part of this race as it is the first time that I am participating in an ultra-marathon, and it is a bonus that the marathon is being hosted at Aspire. I look forward to completing the race in less than six hours and am aiming to also set a record." More than 400 participants will take part in Fridays event, with an additional 300 spectators expected to attend who will encourage the runners throughout the duration of the marathon. The Race will start on Friday evening at 6 pm for 6 hours and all of the winners being announced at midnight. A closing ceremony is scheduled for the next day, 1st of November at 11am at the Torch Hotel. The Aspire International 6:50 Race builds upon the earlier success of Aspire Zone's first Ultra marathon which first took place in March 2014 with more than 200 participants. This landmark event was the first running event of its kind in the State of Qatar, and is in line with Aspire Zones vision to continue to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle for all of its residents. (QNA)