With the weather cooling down, here’s your chance to compete in the opening race of the Mushrif Park Cross Country Run.

Taking place on Friday, November 2, participants can enjoy nature at its pre-dawn best as you head off road through Mushrif Park in Dubai.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, there are different distances to choose from with 1.5, 3, 5, 10 and 15km courses on the agenda.

It promises to be a challenging but thrilling event considering you will find yourself running on tree lined sandy roads and tracks and grass lawns. On top of that, you will also navigate your way along the tarred, sandy, pebbled and grass tacks while also enjoying the perfect surroundings of Mushrif Park.

Warren Van Der Merwe from Super Sports Events, organisers of the run, is optimistic of attracting big numbers in the second edition.

“Now in its second season, Super Sports is looking at growing the numbers to over 1500 runners over the three races,” said Van Der Merwe.

Every finisher will get a medal

Entry costs Dh175 for adults and Dh125 for juniors. As part of Super Sports Events’ vision in promoting a healthy lifestyle, they are also giving a discount for families.

“We have also included a new distance for the younger runners, the 1.5km which is specifically for the Under-12’s and will encourage them to participate by starting them on a shorter distance,” he added. “There are also family discounts on offer, for parents and children in order to make it more financially viable for the whole family to join in the fun.”

All finishers will receive a shirt, medals, refreshments and a downloadable certificate. Once the race is finished, you can even stay behind and enjoy the park facilities.

“We also encourage everyone to make a morning of it and bring swim costumes and picnic baskets and take advantage of all that Mushrif Park has to offer,” said Van der Merwe. “It has some fantastic internal facilities of male and female swimming pools, equestrian centre, rope course, restaurants and picnic facilities for you to enjoy.”

What: Cross Country Run

Where: Mushrif Park

When: November 2

 Contact: For more information or to register, visit www.supersportsuae.com