Whether you’re into road running or like to take things off the beaten track; want to try a night run or would rather get your miles in first thing in the morning – the UAE running scene has grown significantly over the past couple years to include every possible style of event to suit your goals and interests. Here we round up the hot picks approaching this winter.
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WE RUN DXB 10K – December 19, 2014
The lap will lead around the boulevard with the iconic Burj Khalifa at its centre. The start and finish sections will boast several Nike attractions and throughout the course you can find multiple refreshment stations.
Oh, and Nike know how to throw a party so stick around for the post-race festivities.
Info: www.nike.com/werundubai
ABRaS Mina 10K & 3K Series – Race 2 of 3: January 9, 2015
Hosted by one of the country’s most loved athletic clubs, this popular race series is held within the grounds of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi and Westin hotels.
Race HQ and the 10k course offer runners a wonderful environment utilising open grass areas, ocean views and the beautifully landscaped hotel grounds.
The flat, fast course takes runners out onto the Marina quay, through the hotel gardens and alongside white beaches.
Info: www.premieronline.com
ADNIC Yas Run – January 16, 2015
Held at twilight on the iconic Yas Marina Circuit, this popular family event is back for its fourth edition and offers runners of all abilities the chance to race the same asphalt as the world’s Formula One drivers.
The course holds an AIMS International Certificate making it one of only two AIMS certified 10K courses in the country.
Entry to the children’s 1km and 3km events is free, and over 4,000 adults and children attend the Yas Run each year. While there is word of a pre-race training programme to take place, the circuit is open to the public for running, strolling and biking every Tuesday evening anyway (and Wednesdays for ladies only), offering the chance to get acquainted with the course.
Info: www.premieronline.com
Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon – January 23, 2015
By far the UAE’s biggest and most respected running event, and a hoot for the whole family thanks to organisers offering a special atmosphere in the Marathon Village, and several other smaller events happening alongside the main event such as a 4km Fun Run and 10km category, as well as corporate and team challenges in place.
Expect to see the biggest names in the running game. You might even witness another course or world record as the race seems to be a magnet for PBs.
Info: www.dubaimarathon.org
The Salomon Wadi Bih Run – February 6/7, 2015
Very popular with the UAE’s most hardened fitness enthusiasts, it takes you off road to the rugged outskirts of Oman. This canyon run is for teams of five runners (must include one female), with each runner completing about 15km to give a total distance of about 72 km. This year organisers are introducing a separate team event of 50km.
Meanwhile, braver individuals can run the entire 72km distance solo or do a shortened route of
either 50km or 30km.
Info: www.premieronline.com
Abu Dhabi Striders Marathon and 10K – February 9, 2015
The Striders are pleased to relaunch their full marathon in 2015 at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi. Join in and run over a 10km, 21.1km or the full 42.2km. Over the various distances, runners will loop around the 5km measured course on ZSC grounds. On closed roads and during the cooler months, there is no better way to test your limits.
What’s convenient is the Striders always host a popular three-part series at the same venue, in collaboration with ADCB, and so there will be a 10K and 5K build-up race happening just before this one.
Info: www.premieronline.com
RAK Half Marathon – February 13, 2015
Registration opened as far back as June for this event, dubbed the world’s fastest half marathon, and its ninth edition promises quick times and fierce contests with the prospect of more records, a distinct likelihood in both men’s and women’s competitions.
Meanwhile, the RAK Free Trade Zone Team Relay Challenge has played a vital role in bridging this record-breaking international road race with the local community. With there being various transport options from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, this could be your chance to finally make that road trip to RAK too.
Info: www.rakmarathon.org