The second edition of Dubai’s Al Marmoom Ultramarathon is set to take place in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve between December 9-13.

The event – reportedly the longest desert race in the world – will attract some of the most decorated athletes and ultra-runners on the planet to come and compete on a record-breaking 300km terrain for a share of $100,000 (Dh367,000) prize money.

Saeed Hareb, general secretary of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), said: “The distance has been increased from 270km to 300km for the second edition and we will be looking forward to creating endurance history once again, while experiencing new tales of the enduring determination of human spirit and bravery.”

In addition to the formidable 300km distance, the race will also offer shortened distances of 110km and 50km to encourage regional endurance runners from the UAE to participate.

Last year’s race was a marked success, with Rachid El Mourabity triumphing in the men’s race and Magdalena Boulet winning the women’s event.

In the shortened 100km event, Anton Kvashnevskiy was victorious in the men’s race while Harmke Westervelt won in the women’s.

The event will mark the Middle East’s attempt to build on the success of endurance events in Europe and the USA, improving the region’s offering and growing its sporting prestige.