Sheikh Hamdan Leads 278,000 at Dubai Run

A record-breaking 278,000 participants took over Sheikh Zayed Road on Sunday morning during the sixth annual Dubai Run, led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

The 14-lane highway was temporarily closed to vehicles until 10:30 am to allow runners to participate, all against the stunning backdrop of Dubai’s skyline.

This year’s event featured a unique addition, with paragliders soaring above Sheikh Zayed Road, offering an exciting spectacle for the runners below.

Participants could choose between a 5km or 10km route.

The 5km route began near the Museum of the Future, passing landmarks such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera, and ended close to Dubai Mall.

Meanwhile, the 10km route also started near the museum, crossed the Dubai Canal Bridge, looped along Sheikh Zayed Road, and concluded near the DIFC Gate.

Sheikh Hamdan, a regular participant in the event described as the world’s biggest fun run, applauded the massive turnout of people committed to promoting a healthier way of life.

“Dubai Run showcases the power of community and the dedication of Dubai’s people to lead more active and healthy lifestyles,” Sheikh Hamdan said, as noted in a statement from the Dubai Media Office.

“Today’s event mirrors the city’s vitality, its unyielding dedication to excellence, and its community’s recognition of the importance of fitness and wellbeing.

“The incredible response to Dubai Run emphasizes Dubai’s position as one of the most active cities globally and a leader in fostering a health-focused lifestyle.

“We extend our gratitude to everyone who took part in this initiative and helped make it an extraordinary success. Together, we are creating a healthier, happier, and more connected society while setting a positive example for generations to come.”

This year’s turnout marked a significant 23 percent growth from the 226,000 runners who participated last year.

First launched in 2017, the Dubai Run is a core component of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (30x30 challenge), designed to inspire residents to adopt healthier habits.

The initiative encourages people to engage in 30 minutes of exercise for 30 consecutive days.

To support this goal, many venues offer free or discounted classes and sports sessions, alongside a full schedule of community-driven fitness events.

Source: thenationalnews

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.