Athletic: Some like it hot as north team fly out; INSIDE TRACK.

Byline: BY BILL McGUIRK

TOMORROW'S Dubai Marathon has not only attracted world record holder Haile Gebrselassie but also an 18-man team from the North East who will be on hand to see that everything goes smoothly.

Gateshead Council's Events/Leisure Services team has been supporting the build and logistics of the Dubai Marathon for a number of years after co-ordinating the marathon within the WAVA (World Association of Veteran Athletics) Games which were held in Gateshead in 1999.

The Dubai event has grown in profile and is now regarded as one of the best in the world.

Once again there are several members of Gateshead Council supporting the event, with roles from event co-ordinator (Paddy Corcoran), to start and finish duties (Mick Laidler, Geoff Burfoot, Simon Crabtree), while among those making the trip from local businesses in the area are Jason Halliday who will travel in the lead car as physio to the elite athletes.

Of course, every race has to have a referee, and on hand hoping he has no problems is Nick Hodgson, one of the North East's leading officials.

Joining him to make sure the results go smoothly are Dick Balding, who is chief timekeeper, other timekeepers Ron Hartridge and Malcolm Brown. while Bill Woods will be ready with pen and pencil in hand to record every runner as they cross the line.

The Dubai Marathon boasts a prize list of EUR2m so it would be a fitting tribute to the region if a small band are in position to witness a new world record tomorrow.