Dubai International Financial Centre to Host First Race of 2017 Bloomberg Square Mile Relay Global Series

Dubai, UAE - 14 November 2016:  Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, today announced that it will host the first race of the 2017 Bloomberg Square Mile Relay global series on Wednesday 8 February, when up to 1,000 runners from Dubai’s leading businesses will once again take on the ultimate corporate relay. 

The inaugural Bloomberg Square Mile Relay Dubai took place at the DIFC in February earlier this year, when companies such as HSBC, J.P Morgan, Emirates NBD, Tecom and Dubai Airports joined hundreds of other corporates on the unique one-mile (1.6km) route that loops in and around the Centre with RPM taking first place in a time of 53 minutes and 31 seconds. Following the resounding success of the first race, DIFC will once again host the international event. 

Headline sponsor Bloomberg is the global business and financial information and news leader who has supported the event since it launched in London in 2007. The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay Dubai is the first leg of the 2017 series before the event moves to Sydney, New York, London, Shanghai, Singapore, and Hong Kong where the concept has continued to grow in popularity with an ever-increasing number of companies signing up to the race. 

Set in the heart of the financial district around DIFC, the Bloomberg Square Mile Relay will see participants from a variety of firms from across the city battle it out for pole position as they make their way around the one – mile (1.6km) circuit  through the iconic Gate Building. Each team is made up of 10 runners with each member running one lap of the course before passing the baton to the next runner. The team with the fastest cumulative time for 10 one-mile laps will be crowned champions, and this year a new ‘Fastest Mixed Team’ award has also been introduced, for those competing with at least four female runners.

Raja Al Mazrouei, Senior Vice President – Marketing & Corporate Communications at DIFC Authority, commented: “The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is the perfect opportunity for us to highlight DIFC as one of the leading financial centres in the world alongside London, Hong Kong and New York. We are delighted to be the official venue partner for the second year running as it showcases not only the high calibre of companies located in the area but also the lifestyle destination that is on offer for the wider community to enjoy.

“The launch event earlier this year was a huge success and it was great to see the community come together and create a buzz in the heart of the city. We are looking forward to collaborating on this project once again.”

The race will again inspire strong team work and light-hearted competition among Dubai’s largest corporations and financial institutions and will be followed by the popular post-event celebrations and awards ceremony. All participants, family and friends can enjoy the after-race party which will include music, entertainment and food & beverage offerings. 

For further information on the Bloomberg Square Mile Relay or to enter a team please visit the website at http://www.squaremilerelay.com/dubai