Paula Radcliffe ambassador for Al Mouj marathon

MUSCAT: World record marathon champion Paula Radcliffe is to be the international figurehead for the eighth edition of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon in Muscat next January.

The multiple marathon winning British athlete has taken on the ambassadorial role to promote the increasingly popular event which has seen a record number of runners in each successive year since 2012, with more than 6,000 taking part earlier this year.

The iconic former marathon, half-marathon and cross-country world champion — whose Women’s World Record time of 2:15:25 set in 2003 remains unbroken — aims to encourage greater participation by runners from both Oman and the wider regional and worldwide athletic community in the now internationally recognised event.

“Throughout my career I have set myself goals and then tried to achieve them, and by becoming an ambassador for the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon I hope I can inspire others, particularly women, to take on the challenge,” said Radcliffe.

“My childhood running coach used to say ‘aim for the moon because if you miss you will land on the stars’, and that is a great philosophy for running and for life. The Al Mouj Muscat Marathon is a fantastic opportunity for people to train, get healthier and take part in an inspiring event.”

Radcliffe will introduce and flagoff the start of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon on January 18, and then take part in the 10k event.

Alongside the marathon and 10k races, the two-day festival of running will also feature halfmarathon and marathon relay categories, a 5k charity fun run and a Kids’ Run.

“We are delighted that Paula has agreed to become our ambassador for the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon,” said Salma al Hashmi, Chief Marketing Officer of event organiser, Oman Sail.

“Paula is a legendary figure in the marathon world and beyond and she will play a vital role in further highlighting what is now internationally recognised as a world-class celebration of health and fitness.”