Top Kenyan signs up for Dubai marathon

Top Kenyan runner Moses Cheruiyot Mosop has been confirmed as one of the big names competing in next month's Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon.

Mosop, who competed for Kenya at the 2004 Olympic Games and went on to take the 10,000m bronze at the 2005 World Championships in Athletics, ran one of the fastest marathons in history in Boston last year.

He also also won the Chicago Marathon in 2011 and was selected for the Kenyan Olympic team for London but had to withdraw due to injury.

"It will be the first time we've seen Moses in Dubai but there is no doubting his excellent racing pedigree," said event director Peter Connerton.

With less than two months to go, the 2013 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon looks set for a record turnout with registrations higher than ever in the event's 14 year history.

Organisers said the race is on course to break its own record of 17,141 runners who competed in January 2012.

"No sooner had the 2012 event finished than we were being asked when registration would open for the 2013 race," said Connerton.

"In 2000, we had just over 1,800 participants while next month we expect ten times that many people to join us for the start of our three races on Emaar Boulevard."

Held under the patronage of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is expected to see nearly 20,000 runners competing over three events on January 25.