UAE Fitness: Dubai Run, Marathon

The Dubai Fitness Challenge may be concluding, but the UAE is continuously establishing itself as a fitness center, with an increasing number of events being added to its yearly schedule.

Alongside established local events like the Dubai Run and Abu Dhabi Marathon, more international brands are coming to the country to host festivals and races.

For fitness enthusiasts and those on their health journeys, keeping up with upcoming events can be a challenge.

Here’s a glimpse of the busy schedule from now until February.

November

WeWalk

Returning to Dubai Science Park, this charity walkathon supports people affected by diabetes. It features a laid-back 3.5km route with live entertainment, interactive games, and educational booths.

Organized in collaboration with the Dubai Charity Association and the Tecom group, all funds raised aim to raise awareness about diabetes and endocrinological disorders.

Date: November 16, starting at 7am; Entry Fee: Dh30; Location: Dubai Science Park

The Music Run

Making its debut in Dubai, this global fun run combines music, fitness, and entertainment at Meydan Racecourse.

Participants will enjoy a 5k route with music blaring from speakers along the way, concluding with a music festival. The run pack includes a T-shirt, drawstring bag, foam glow stick, temporary tattoo, and a run bib.

Date: November 16; Entry Fee: From Dh109; Location: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai

Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo

This 154k race begins in downtown Abu Dhabi and heads to Garden City in Al Ain. Participants are sorted into different speed categories, with the first group featuring elite riders. Riders can register individually or in teams of up to 13.

Date: November 16, starting at 6am; Entry Fee: From Dh264; Route: Abu Dhabi to Al Ain

BMX Competition

Held at Circuit X in Abu Dhabi, this contest allows bikers from intermediate to advanced levels to showcase their skills.

A halftime stunt show is scheduled for both spectators and participants, with prizes including a new BMX bike and protective gear. Categories are based on age groups.

Date: November 16, 9.30am-1.30pm; Entry Fee: From Dh50; Location: Hudayriyat Island

Emirates NBD Unity Run

Supporting people of determination, this event at Al Forsan Park, Expo City Dubai, invites participants to join a 3km fun walk or timed 5km and 10km routes. Entertainment and food options will be available at the run village afterward.

Date: November 17, from 6am; Entry Fee: From Dh50, free for people of determination; Location: Expo City Dubai

Dubai Run

The highlight of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, this free run along Sheikh Zayed Road offers 5k or 10k routes. Open to runners of all levels, it often features an appearance by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan.

Date: November 24; Location: Sheikh Zayed Road

Walk or Cycle for Life

This community event at Meydan Cycle Track encourages participants to walk or cycle for cancer awareness.

The wellness village will include health screenings, nutrition advice, and fitness demonstrations, along with entertainment, a children’s zone, and food stalls.

Date: November 26; Entry Fee: From Dh70; Location: Meydan Cycle Track, Dubai

Garmin Fitness Festival

Hosted by the sports wearable brand Garmin, this event at Meydan Racecourse features races from 100 meters to 10k for children, with 5km or 10km options for adults.

The race village includes zones to try out Garmin products, mini workouts, a picnic area, and food stalls.

Date: November 30, starting at 7am; Entry Fee: From Dh50; Location: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai

December

Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon

Returning for its sixth year, this marathon in the capital attracted 25,000 runners last year. It offers various distances, including a marathon relay and shorter races. The marathon village includes food, beverages, and entertainment.

Date: December 14; Entry Fee: From Dh55; Location: Adnoc Headquarters, Abu Dhabi

Fitness Events in 2025

January

Dubai Marathon

The 24th Dubai Marathon features a full route alongside 4k and 10k routes for casual runners. It starts and ends on Umm Suqeim Road, with post-race entertainment and refreshments available.

Date: January 12, starting at 6am; Location: Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai

Kayan Wellness Festival

This three-day event in Abu Dhabi centers on holistic wellness, offering rejuvenation and self-discovery opportunities through activities and discussions.

Held on Fahid Island, it features experts like therapist Marissa Peer and biohacker Gary Brecka.

Dates: January 31 to February 2; Location: Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi

February

TriYas

Registration is open for this free triathlon on Yas Island, which features swim, cycle, and run segments for all ages and fitness levels.

Date: February 8; Location: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi

Dubai Canal Run

Offering views of the Downtown Dubai skyline, this city run has races for the entire family, with 1km for children and 3km, 5km, and 10km options for others.

Post-race activities include music, entertainment, and refreshments at the race village.

Date: February 22, starting at 7am; Entry Fee: From Dh52.50; Location: Dubai Canal

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge

Taking place at Expo City Dubai, this annual cycling event serves as a qualifier for the 2025 UCI Grand Fondo World Series Championship.

The 94.1km course is complemented by build-up rides throughout 2024. A junior event is also available for young cyclists. The event site will include food vendors, inflatable attractions, and relaxation zones.

Date: February 23; Entry Fee: From Dh45; Location: Expo City Dubai

Source: thenationalnews

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