THE ULTIMATE RACE CALENDAR FOR 2019
The Dubai Fitness Challenge concludes on Saturday, but that’s no reason to put your fitness goals on the back burner. After all, it’s race season in the UAE and, from fun Santa runs to gruelling triathlons, there’s something for every age, ability and fitness level. Here’s what you can look forward to in the coming months.
NOVEMBER 16
M1 Run
If you’re looking for something a tad offbeat, sign up for Media One Hotel’s annual vertical run, which takes place on the Dubai Media City hotel’s stairwell, all the way up to level 42. There will be plenty of prizes to be won, both in the form of cash and vouchers, and all participants will get a goody bag and medal. The run is from 9am and costs Dh99. www.mediaonehotel.com
X3 Jr Triathlon
Encourage your little ones to participate in XDubai’s second X3 Junior Triathlon at Kite Beach. Children between 4 and 16 years will get the opportunity to swim, cycle and run around a custommade course, which has seven categories tailored for different age groups. The run starts at 7am and costs from Dh120. www.xdubai.com
NOVEMBER 22
Guru Nanak Run
A fun yet competitive event taking place on the roads of University City, Sharjah, the Guru Nanak Run is a community event for the whole family. With distances of 3km, 5km and 10km, this one is for both amateurs and experienced runners, and will have plenty of music, water stops and supporters cheering you on. The race starts at 6.45am and admission is from Dh47. www.premieronline.com
NBF Fujairah Run
Scenic views of the emirate of Fujairah and cash prizes await those who participate in this funfilled run. There are 3km, 5km, 10km and even an 11km trail, for which participants will ascend mountain ranges on narrow trails and navigate around a natural lake. The event will also include The Determined Ones run, which is free to enter. The race starts at Fujairah Festival Square at 5.30am and costs Dh50. www.premieronline.com
The CBD Run on the Palm Start your weekend with brilliant views of Palm Jumeirah with this multi-option event sponsored by the Commercial Bank of Dubai. There’s a 1km run to keep the little ones active and 3km, 5km, 10km and 21.5km runs for adults who want to sweat it out. No cars will be allowed on to the crescent on race day, so taking the monorail is recommended to get to the venue. The race starts at 6.30am and costs from Dh50. www.raceme.ae
NOVEMBER 23
Fujairah Triathlon
This year, the Fujairah Triathlon offers both the Super Sprint (750-metre swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run), as well as the Olympic distance triathlon (1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run) – distances for serious runners and fitness enthusiasts. Meanwhile, little ones can make a splash with the Kids Aquathon, which includes swimming and running, with three categories for different age groups. The race starts at 8am at Diamond AlSalam Resort, and costs from Dh52 for children and Dh73 for adults. www.premieronline.com
NOVEMBER 29
Super Sports Run
Sign up for the Super Sports Run in Dubai series, which will take place on the closed-off roads of Meydan. There are 3km, 5km, 10km and 16km courses on offer, and whether you choose to run, walk or sprint, you’re sure to have a blast. Adding to the vibe are music, aid stations and supporters cheering you on. As a bonus, the event organisers are encouraging pinning UAE flags to your running gear to get into the right spirit. The race starts at 7.30am at The Track, Meydan Golf, and costs from Dh125 for children and Dh175 for adults. www.supersportsuae.com
Urban Ultra UTX50
This 50km race will take you through mountain terrain and sand dunes across the UAE. With up to nine hours to finish, it’s not exactly for the faint of heart, though. If you’re not sure you can cover the distance, there’s a less strenuous 21km trail run (with a cut-off of five hours). The race starts at 6am and costs Dh385. www.urbanultra.com
DECEMBER 6
Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, this year’s event will start at the Adnoc headquarters and take runners along the Corniche. The male and female winners of the 42.2km marathon will take home prize money of $100,000 (Dh367,250) each. There are free training sessions available to prepare you for the event. The
race starts at 6am and costs from Dh50. www.adnocabudhabimarathon.com
JA Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon
With more than 500 members, the Dubai Creek Striders are one of the largest running clubs in the region, and their Johnson Arabia Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon, taking place at, you guessed it, Dubai Creek, is now in its 18th year. After the race, you can indulge in a breakfast at QD’s – offered as a separate add-on this year. The race starts at 6am and costs Dh187. www.premieronline.com
DECEMBER 7
JLL Triathlon Series
The series offers two courses in Jebel Ali, with seven categories divided according to age – the Super Sprint Distance Triathlon is a 375-metre swim, 10km bike ride and 2.5km run, while the Sprint Distance Triathlon features a 750-metre swim, 20km bike ride and a 5km run. When you’re done, you can indulge in breakfast at JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort, included in the ticket price. The race starts at 7.15am and costs Dh195. www.premieronline.com
Al Maha Fun Run
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, will be hosting its seventh 10km Road to Awareness Fun Run at the Dubai Conservation Reserve. At the finish line, you’ll be offered a post-race fruit feast, as well as the chance to enter a raffle draw.
The race starts at 3pm and costs Dh100. www.hopasports.com
DECEMBER 9-13
Al Marmoom Ultramarathon Some of the world’s top runners will battle it out for a share of the $100,000 (Dh367,250) prize offered by this marathon at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. There are three races, the main one being the 300km challenge, which has to be completed in five days and is being hailed as the world’s longest desert ultramarathon. Less gruelling is the 24-hour 110km ultra run and 50km charity run. The race starts at 6am and costs from Dh1,083. www.ultramarathon.ae
DECEMBER 13
Dubai Festival City Santa Run Don your Santa suit and prepare for a 1km, 2.5km or 5km run in Dubai Festival City. There are goody bags, refreshments, medals and a best-dressed Santa prize. The race starts at 8am and costs from Dh71. www.raceme.ae
Dubai Women’s Triathlon There are three courses to enter (as individuals or teams): the Super Sprint is a 400-metre swim, 10km bike ride and 2.5km run; the Sprint course is a 750metre swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run; and the Olympic Standard course is a 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run. The race starts at 6.15am at Dubai Ladies Club and costs from Dh125. www.hopasports.com
DECEMBER 14
Dubai Desert Road Run Launched in 2012, this event is something of a staple for the UAE’s running community Whether you’re an amateur trying to take advantage of the good weather or a professional athlete, this run offers a little something for everyone with its 3km, 5km and 10km distances. The race starts at 6.15am at The Sevens Stadium, Dubai-Al Ain Road, and costs from Dh105. www.premieronline.com
Urban Ultra Kalba Kickr
A challenging technical trail that’s best for more seasoned athletes, this run features three distances with set cut-off times (12km in 3 hours 30 minutes; 25km in 7 hours; and 45km in 9 hours). The event also features rope climbs, goat trails, and scrambles through valleys and wadi beds, offering a chance to enjoy your natural surroundings. The race starts at 7am and costs from Dh299. www.urbanultra.com
DECEMBER 27
Ajman Half Marathon
For the first time, Ajman will host a half-marathon race, suited for all fitness abilities. There’s a main 21.1km course, but you can get a finisher medal by completing the 5km course as well. With the race taking place in the stunning Al Zorah Natural Reserve in Ajman, expect lush sceneries, mangrove views and bird-spotting along the way. Winners stand a chance to win a medal with an engraving that represents the cultural heritage of Ajman, in gold, silver or bronze. The race starts at 7am and costs from Dh63. www.premieronline.com