PUTTING YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD

Abu Dhabi is a delight for strollers and runners alike. Just take a long, lingering look at the Corniche, and all your pedestrian doubts will evaporate

The Corniche

Undoubtedly, the Corniche is the jewel in the city’s crown. You get almost 10km of extraordinary promenade – a dramatic skyline backdrop, grassy and tree-lined verges, and of course the shoreline. If you need to ease up, you can stop anywhere along the way and refresh.

Al Raha

Starting in Al Zeina, you can run all the way to Bandar, almost 4km away. The reward for stretching your legs is the waterside track, which is very easy on the eyes if not the feet. Energy-permitting, you have another 2km of path if you wish to make it all the way to Al Raha beach Hotel. And it’s absolutely free.

Yas Marina Formula 1 Track

Walkers, joggers, and serious runners alike can all gather on this vast circuit and they do. With 5.5km of open road, there’s more than enough for everyone to enjoy navigating the curved track, gradual inclines, and lengthy straights. Just as for the cycling, the track is open on Sundays and Tuesdays, 6pm to 10pm, just don’t forget to register ahead of time with Train YAS. For more information, visit, yasmarinacircuit.com

The Eastern Mangroves Promenade

A plum promenade taking you off-road, the Eastern Mangroves is right next door to the National Park. While strutting your stuff, you’ll spot some kayakers for sure and be spoilt by the natural beauty of the location. The 9km route will take you from Al Seef Village area, Al Murouj Street, to Dolphin Park. Well-lit at night, you can stop for refreshment or avail of the facilities along the way.

Al Kasir Island

Starting on the island gives you an 8km-loop, which takes in Marina Mall and the Marina Eye Ferris Wheel. The sight of the city skyline makes it all the more worthwhile too, not to mention a glimpse of the once-largest flagpole in the world, bearing over you at 122 metres. To add a few more clicks to your walk or run, you can simply take the Corniche path across the bridge.

Al Wathba

Although already heralded for cyclists, it’s one tough-nut run! You can take the fun-size five-mile circuit, or brave it out all the way up to full marathon grade. The natural beauty of the dunes will wow you and the super well-maintained road surface will help you glide along.

Zayed Sports City

Although there isn’t a dedicated running or walking track, Zayed Sports City has an Olympic village feel to the place. The pitches, green embankments, flood lighting, and stadium all combine to persuade you to up your training game. Just park the car, and get going. For more information, visit zsc.ae

Al Gurm Corniche

This new kid on the block has so many activities, not to mention walking, running and cycling tracks. There are reading nooks with the most spectacular views that you’ll probably get no reading done. Located along Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street in the Eastern Mangroves area of the capital, Al Gurm Corniche is open to the public 24/7 and is free to access.