The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay will arrive in the UAE early next year, making Dubai the latest city to host the popular corporate run.

Set in the heart of Dubai International Financial District on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, the Bloomberg Square Mile will give participants from firms located in the region a unique opportunity to test their abilities.

Unlike many runs though, the Bloomberg Square Mile has a unique one-mile (1.6km) route that takes runners up staircases, along corridors, through buildings and onto the surrounding pathways.

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A team will be made up of 10 runners, with each having to complete the entire course before handing the baton to their team-mate. 

The fastest team cumulatively will earn the honour of becoming the first winners of the inaugural event in Dubai and will receive a cheque for Dh30,000 to donate to their nominated charity.

The awards ceremony will take place alongside a celebratory after-race party, which will have live music, food, drinks and entertainment throughout the evening.

In addition to being a healthy initiative to get corporate workers active, the run is also a great way to build team-work.

“The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is a unique sporting event whose goal is to offer a platform for teams from local corporates to express their sporting enthusiasm while also building trust and understanding within and between team,” said Nike Keller, MD of event organisers Square Mile Sport.

“It is a great opportunity to take part in a team-building or corporate networking activity or merely enjoy seeing the city from a special on-foot perspective. 

“The event is open to all levels of experience, whether you are an elite runner or just run for fun in your spare time – we want everyone to enjoy this fantastic experience.”

After successfully launching in London in 2007, the annual event has expanded in recent years to major locations such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai.

More than 100 teams enter the relay race in each city every year, with Dubai marking the first leg of the 2016 series which also includes inaugural races for Sydney, Frankfurt and New York.

Registration is open until January 21, 2016, and can be done by visiting www.squaremilerelay.com/dubai.

The early bird rate is Dh4,995 per team until December 31, with general entry after that costing Dh5,500.

What: Bloomberg Square Mile Relay
Where: Dubai International Financial District
When: Wednesday, February 3, 2016, beginning at 18:00
Contact: Visit www.squaremilerelay.com/dubai to sign up and for more information