Two renowned athletes, including the fastest man in Qatar, were yesterday named brand ambassadors for the Dolphin Energy Doha Dash. The event will take place at Losail International Circuit on February 12.
Samuel Francis, who has been competing at an international level for Qatar since 2007, will be joined by British Olympic silver medallist Samantha Murray, at the inaugural Dolphin Energy Doha Dash.
The event will include a 5km and 3km timed race, as well as a 1km ladies’ walk and Mini Doha Dash, in celebration of Qatar National Sport Day.
The 25-year-old Francis specialises in the 100m race and his personal best of 9.99 seconds is the current Asian record held for six years now. He was also a finalist in the World Indoor Championship held in Doha in 2010 and a semi-finalist in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
He will attend the Dolphin Energy Doha Dash as an ambassador to promote exercise and healthy living, provide tips and advice, and highlight the importance of Qatar’s National Sport Day.
“I am delighted to be an official ambassador for the Dolphin Energy Doha Dash and cannot wait to meet all the runners and spectators on February 12. It is an exciting event, bringing together experienced and amateur runners, and carries a significant message about the importance of healthy living for the Qatari and expatriate community of Doha,” he said.
On the day, runners and spectators will also have the chance to “race” against Francis in a virtual Shadow Runner challenge, one of the features of the Dolphin Energy health and fitness zone, located in the pit lane of the circuit.
Besides Francis, attendees of the event will also get the opportunity to meet Murray, Olympic modern pentathlete. Murray, whose list of medals includes those won at the World Cup and World Championship, is best known for winning a silver medal in the modern pentathlon event at the London 2012 Summer Olympics.
At the age of 23, Murray has risen quickly through the world rankings and has made a strong name for herself in the world of athletics.
As brand ambassadors, Francis and Murray will attend the Dolphin Energy Doha Dash and assist in the starting of the races along with Dolphin Energy’s CEO, Ahmed Ali al-Sayegh. They will also meet the participants and their families, give fans the opportunity to click photographs and sign autographs.
On becoming a brand ambassador, Murray - who will bring along her Olympic medal - said: “I am very excited to visit Qatar as an ambassador for the Dolphin Energy Doha Dash and promote Qatar’s National Sport Day.”
Jamie Cunningham, CEO of the race organisers, Professional Sports Group, said: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Samuel and Samantha on board as ambassadors for our event. Both have been very successful at a young age and we are sure that their presence at the event will inspire the youth of Qatar to engage in running and other sports - starting with the Dolphin Energy Doha Dash.”
The event has been designed to support the vision behind National Sport Day and aims to promote a healthier lifestyle and raise money for charity.
The official charity of the 2013 event is Reach Out To Asia, which will receive 25% of the total registration fee. Registration is open. Participants can visit www.dohadash.com to register or get details.
The event is supported by title sponsors Dolphin Energy as well as Vodafone, W Doha Hotel & Residence, Fitness First, Kellogg’s, Rayyan Water, ABODE and Qatar Happening.