National Day Camel Marathon set to take place in February

HHC adds junior category for the race

Dubai, UAE, October 18, 2018:   The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC) announced the 4th edition of the National Day Camel Marathon, organized by the Center in cooperation with Dubai Camel Racing Club, will take place on 8 February 2019.

The change in the schedule from December to February was made to coincide with H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Pure-Bred Arabian Camels Races Festival.

HCC also took into consideration giving the riders and their camels more adequate time to prepare for the very competitive and one-of-its-kind heritage marathon. 

Ms. Souad Ibrahim Darwish, Director of Championships at HHC, said: “Camel racing season begins in October and we have taken into consideration the requirements of the participants to give them more time to train with their camels for the marathon.”

The venue of the race has also been moved to Al Marmoom race track which is ideal for its flat terrain to give ease to the riders. Al Marmoom also provides visitors a better view to enjoy watching the camel marathon. The race will be in two rounds with each round stretching for 11kms, for a total of 22kms.

 “Al Marmoom is accessible to a large number of visitors and media throughout the months of the camel races and we want more people, especially the youth, to watch and join us in celebrating our local heritage,” Ms. Darwish said.

A new junior category has been added for the next camel marathon.

Mr. Ali Bin Saroud, Executive Director of the Dubai Camel Racing Club, said: "We have included a category for the youth, those aged 15 years and above, to give them the opportunity to participate in the race with the consent of their parents.”

“Camel racing is a huge part of Emirati culture. It is a traditional sport that requires time and effort. Camels are treated like athletes in preparation for the race but the marathon is equally grueling for the riders,” Mr Saroud explained

“The key factor at the competition, aside from stamina, is experience. We want to inspire and train young Emiratis to go camel riding at a young age. The training required for the marathon itself is very good for their physical fitness. And the experience they get while training for the marathon will help them in the other races and, more importantly, promote further the country’s heritage sport,” he added.

The Dubai Camel Racing Club has pledged to support and develop young talents for camel racing.

How to participate?

Participation for the camel marathon is limited to UAE nationals from 15 years and above. Each rider must wear a helmet and protective clothing during the race, and required to don the national uniform of the marathon.

Participants are prohibited from using electric shocks and stimulants according to the Camel Racing Laws. Participation of the "Sudanese" camel species is not allowed. The Organizing Committee shall have the right to exclude and withhold the prize of any other participant. 

Participants are required to adhere to the race track and are not entitled to replace the camel that was registered to participate in the marathon on race day.