Marriott International, Inc. is a worldwide operator and franchisor of a broad portfolio of hotels and related lodging facilities. Founded by J. Willard Marriott, the company is now led by son J.W. Marriott, Jr. Today, Marriott International has about 3,150 lodging properties located in the United States and 68 other countries and territories.
The Dubai Marathon (official name Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon) is an annual marathon running race held in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The race is held in January each year, the first being run on 14 January 2000. In April 2007, it was announced that the 2008 race would become the world's richest long distance running event in history, with one million dollars offered for a world record and $250,000 for first place for both the men and women.[1][2]