Remember the $1 Million Marathon in January?

That is nothing compared to Thursday’s $2 Million Half-Marathon – twice the money for half the distance, can’t beat that. The Zayeed Half Marathon will be the richest long distance race in the world. The marathon is taking place in Abu Dhabi the capital city of United Arab Emirates. Various news reports indicate that Half-Marathon record holders Samuel Kaman Wanjiru and Lorna Kiplagat, will be racing alongside Paul Tergat and other elite runners.

Winner’s will receive a $300,000 check with an additional $200,000 on the line if they break the world record. The current records stand at 58:33 (4:27) and 1:06:25 (5:03), for the men and women respectively.

This is great news for the athletes, where will it stop? How much money will organizers be willing to shell out to get top athletes and world records at their courses?

HT The Final Sprint

[tags] Half-Marathon, Abu Dhabi, Zayeed [/tags]