Bloomberg square mile relay returns to Dubai in its third year to be hosted in DIFC

UAE, Dubai- 26 September 2017: The ultimate corporate relay, which sees hundreds of runners descend on the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC), is back. Square Mile Sport announced today that Dubai will host the first race of the 2018 Bloomberg Square Mile Relay global series on Wednesday, 7 February, and that DIFC will be the official venue partner for a third year running.

The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay series is a unique platform where companies can network, bond and collaborate outside their working environment. Over 1,000 runners from a variety of organisations across Dubai are expected to attend next year’s event as it continues to gain popularity since its first race in the Emirate in 2016.

Companies will battle it out for the number-one spot, with employees making their way around the unique one-mile (1.6km) route by the iconic DIFC Gate Building. Each team is comprised of ten runners, with each participant running one lap of the course before passing the baton to the next team member. The team with the fastest cumulative time for ten one-mile laps will be crowned champions.

While all teams will be striving for victory, team-bonding and corporate wellbeing are the core tenets of the event that elevate it from a simple running race to a one-of-a-kind experience that brings inclusivity to the entire office. 75 of Dubai’s biggest businesses including MasterCard, HSBC, Barclays, Arab Bank and National Bank of Fujairah took part in the 2017 Dubai event with MustaNGroup emerging as the ‘fastest firm in the city’, closely followed by Clyde & Co. in second place and Al Tamimi & Company in third.  

Alya AlZarouni, Senior Vice President – Operations at DIFC Authority, commented: “This is the third time we are the official venue partner for the Bloomberg Square Mile Relay and each year the event gets bigger and better, with fiercer competition among participating companies. This is a great opportunity for us to showcase DIFC as more than a top ten global financial centre – the Centre is widely recognised as a leading destination for business and lifestyle. We are delighted to be involved in this international event once more and we look forward to seeing Dubai’s professionals on the course.”

Registration for the event is now open and all those taking part, including supportive friends and family, will be invited to the popular post-event party with live music, food, beverages and entertainment.

Headline sponsor Bloomberg is the global business and financial information and news leader who has supported the event since it began in London in 2007. Since its inception, the phenomenally popular Bloomberg Square Mile Relay has grown to include ten international cities, with San Francisco, Sao Paulo and Tokyo joining the roster in 2017. With 27 races having taken place to date, Bloomberg Square Mile Relay runners have successfully completed 25,250 miles; that’s the equivalent of running around the globe!

For further information on the Bloomberg Square Mile Relay or to enter a team please visit the website at www.squaremilerelay.com/dubai.