Gulf Bank 642 Marathon’

KUWAIT: The 'Gulf Bank 642 Marathon' held a pre-event press conference today to announce the launch of Kuwait's biggest marathon, which takes place this Saturday 19 November, at 7:00 am from Souq Sharq.

Mohammad Al-Otaibi, Gulf Bank Corporate Communications Manager said: "We are proud to launch the 'Gulf Bank 642 Marathon' 2016 for the second consecutive year together with our strategic partner, Pro-Vision Sports Management. Last year was a great success, as we had almost 2,400 participant and more than 70 nationalities represented at the event. This year we are expecting an even higher turnout, and we encourage you to join the run/walk event. I would like to invite all those who haven't registered yet, to do so before 16 November by visiting our website www.gulfbank642marathon.com."

Al-Otaibi added: "This year we have partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and their 'Voices for Refugee' program to raise awareness of the plight of refugees and make their stories heard so people will keep remembering they are human. Please join their campaign and add give your voice, so the world will hear theirs."

Dr Hanan Hamdan, Head of Office - UNHCR Kuwait, emphasized the importance of its partnership with the 'Gulf Bank 642 Marathon' by saying:" On behalf of UNHCR, I would like to express my gratitude to Gulf Bank for choosing the plight of refugees as their cause for this year's marathon".

Dr. Hamdan added:" The goal of our "Voices for Refugees" campaign goes beyond the values of solidarity and sympathy, we want your voices to raise attention and humanitarian actions, representing our unity and hopes for a better future to all those who have fled their country due to war atrocities".

She also highlighted UNHCR's long standing cooperation with the government of Kuwait and said:" In fact, the State of Kuwait has been one of the top 10 contributors that helped alleviating the burden of the Syrian refugees with its donations amounting to $338 million. We have been working closely with the Kuwaiti government on various activities aimed at mobilizing resources and funding to help Syrian refugees who fled their country".

Ahmad Al-Huzami, CEO of Pro-Vision Sport Management, expressed his gratitude to both the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Health for their efforts and cooperation in making the marathon a success, and explained that: "The 'Gulf Bank 642 Marathon' is a unique run/walk event and the only internationally accredited marathon in Kuwait. This year promises to be an even bigger event, we hope to see you there".

From his side, Mr. Ahmad Al-Majed, Managing Partner of Pro Vision Sport Management, stated: "It is our honor to have Gulf Bank as our partner. To date we have registered over 3,000 participants from various ages across all four-race categories, and we are ready to welcome them on Saturday.  We have participants coming in from the US, Europe, and the GCC to take part in 'Gulf Bank 642 Marathon'. This event is made for every individual who wants to experience a run, touring through the beautiful landmarks of Kuwait."

From challenging athletes to beginners and even families, this Marathon caters to everyone and includes four different distances/categories:

* Family Fun Walk/Run (5KM)

* Souq Run for regular runners (10KM)

* Half Marathon for more advanced runners (21KM)

* Full Marathon (42KM)

The route for the race will start at Souq Sharq, at 7:00 am, and will take place on Gulf Road, passing by Kuwait Towers, the Grand Mosque, Al Seif Palace, the National Assembly, Souk Al Mubarakiya, the Gulf Bank head office, as well as other landmarks.

The 'Gulf Bank 642 Marathon' remains only road race in Kuwait to have three of its longer distance race categories accredited by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF Athletics), meaning that those races appeared in the international calendar of races.

To find out more about the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon, visit the dedicated website at:  www.gulfbank642marathon.com or its Instagram account GulfBank642.  The number 642 represent the number of muscles in the human body.