One of the most popular races in the UAE’s running calendar is back to offer athletes another chance to take part in the Dubai Desert Road Run.

The event will take place Friday, May 26, marking the third time this year it has been held, following previous editions in February and earlier this month.

Since its first run back in February 2012, the Dubai Desert Road Run has steadily grown to hold races several times throughout the year, bringing together some of the best in the region’s running community.

From complete beginners and social runners to hardcore competitors, the community run appeals to everyone with a race that can be both challenging and fun.

Two distances are on offer, 10 kilometre and 3km races that will be run on private roads on a safe, traffic-free course. The race, held at The Sevens, will kick-off at the village area between Pitch 1 and Pitch 8 before concluding between the village area and Pitch 5.

There are several categories between the two distances, with the 3km catering more to Juniors with age groups of 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-20 and Adults. The 10km, meanwhile, is split into 14-20, 21-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 and 60-plus.

While every finisher of the race will earn a medal at the finish line, runners who finish in the top three of their respective age groups will receive trophies during the prize presentation, which will also feature a raffle for spot prizes from Jabra.

Register for the Dubai Desert Road Run through www.premieronline.com, with the entry free Dh85 for the 3km and Dh125 for the 10km. Make sure to sign up as soon as possible before the deadline of midnight on Sunday, May 21, to ensure your spot.

Race packs can be collected either the day before the race or one hour, 15 minutes before the start on race day. Participants will be notified of the specific details 72 hours before the event.

Hit the desert before the hot weather settles in for the summer and experience one of the best community runs around in the Dubai Desert Road Run.