In general there are two types of regular marathon runners: Those looking for a personal best, and those looking for a fun way to experience a city. With that in mind, the 23rd staging of the Dubai Marathon – the oldest in the region – brings good news on both fronts. Firstly with its return to the Burj Al Arab area of the city (the first time since 2020), and secondly thanks to its pacing. This is, and always has been, a fast marathon.
It looks like the 2024 staging is shaping up to be all things to all runners.
With all that in mind, you should consider this your call to action and registration. As January is traditionally a time for health and fitness – largely to deal with the excesses of the holiday period it follows – signing up to an event such as the Dubai Marathon can be a huge motivator, and also sets things in place for a truly positive year ahead. And should you need any further impetus, UAE residents and UAE driving licence holders taking part also have the chance to win a brand new EXEED RX*. As motivators go, it’s up there.
Starting and finishing in the race’s traditional home on Umm Suqeim Road, in the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab, this race isn’t just for serious distance runners however. Four races make up the Dubai Marathon weekend – a 4km fun run, a 10km road race, a wheelchair marathon and, finally, the official marathon. It’s an amazing way to start the year, but one that comes only with long-term logistical planning.
“We are very grateful to the Dubai Sports Council, as well as the Dubai Police, Dubai RTA and Dubai Municipality, for working with us to facilitate the staging of the 2024 Dubai Marathon,” says Event Director Peter Connerton.
“While it’s an established route that has proved to be popular with locally based runners as well as the growing number of international marathon tourists from outside the region, we know that staging a city marathon is a major challenge for the governmental departments, particularly with Dubai now being home to some 3.6 million people.
“We simply could not operate on the streets of the emirate without the help of our city partners, and we thank the Dubai Sports Council for their invaluable co-ordination and ongoing support.”
One of the biggest events in the UAE sporting calendar – staged in partnership with ITP Media Group, Channel 4 Radio Network, adidas, EXEED by Al Ghurair, Dubai Duty Free, the Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Police, RTA Dubai and Dubai Municipality – the 2024 Dubai Marathon will be seen by top athletes, rising stars and debutants as the perfect opportunity to record an Olympic qualifying time just over six months prior to the staging of the Summer Olympics in Paris.
But while Olympic qualification might well be the aim for the elite, simply completing this iconic circuit is success enough to last a lifetime for the majority. Who knows, maybe this could be your year to do something amazing.
Head here to register for the 2024 Dubai Marathon today
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