Run 42KM marathon even as you #StayHome safe
dubai — Are you itching to go for a run? You can now run a 42.195km marathon even as you adhere to the UAE’s #StayHome directive. Dust off those running shoes and start training for Dubai’s own Marathon at Home, which is set to happen on April 10.
The Dubai Sports Council, in collaboration with ASICS Middle East and 5:30 Run club, has come up with the initiative to keep UAE residents in running shape inside their home.
The first such race of its kind in the world is open to people of all ages and abilities, and will take place on April 10 from 8am to 6pm. Running in public areas is not allowed; the participant will need to physically run on ground, and inside their house. Participants can decide on the shape of their running course, but running on a treadmill or any other training equipment will not be accepted.
The participants will also have to make sure they have a fully charged
smartwatch or smartphone, with the Strava app installed and activated. They will have to join the ‘Marathon at Home’ group on Strava and stay connected as the app will detect their movement and assist in keeping track of their timing and distance traveled.
Registration for the Marathon at Home is open now, until April 6, through but race entry is non-transferable between individuals and relays are not allowed.
The top three finishers in the two categories – men and women - will get a full running gear kit by ASICS; an entry ticket to the Moscow Marathon, which takes place in the month of September; and a finisher medal. The Top 10, meanwhile, will receive 10 EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) functional training sessions from Vertexfitness.
Speaking about the initiative, Fuad Naser, founder of 5:30 Run club, said: “With the spread of Covid-19, it was our responsibility to support the government and country in promoting #StayHome in order to #StaySafe.
“These challenging situations inspired us to think out of the box and give our community a way to achieve and maintain an active lifestyle, while still #StayingHome.
“The main goal of this event is to show that ‘impossible’ is not in our dictionary and that you can still train for a marathon at home.”