Dubai hosts the world’s biggest run
Fitness enthusiasts from across the emirate take part in the iconic Dubai Run against the backdrop of Dubai’s world-famous landmarks
With incredible enthusiasm and determination, 146,000 people gathered on Sheikh Zayed Street to take part in Dubai Run 2021, the largest run in the world. The event, presented by Mai Dubai, took place on the final weekend of this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC). Dubai is the only city in the world to offer its citizens, residents and visitors a full month of free fitness events, including the Dubai Run, while ensuring the safety and health of the nation and its residents in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sheikh Zayed Road, the city’s main road artery, was transformed into a giant running track for the Dubai Run, and participants of all ages and abilities ran and walked at their own pace on the 5-km and 10-km distances. As the sun rose, the city turned into a sea of blue as runners took to the streets in official Dubai Run t-shirts provided by Sun & Sand Sports and began the run at the start line in front of the Museum of the Future. After passing some of Dubai’s well-known landmarks, including the Emirates Towers and the Burj Khalifa, runners crossed the finish line on Al Mustaqbal Street near the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The first 5km course attracted families, running and walking enthusiasts, while the 10km course was completed not only by amateur runners but also by some of the world’s best middle-distance runners, including a team of elite Kenyan runners who participated in several DFC events and promotions.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, commented, “As the Dubai Fitness Challenge approaches its final weekend, it is inspiring to see so many of our citizens, residents and visitors committed to their health and well-being. As I ran alongside the 146,000 people who completed the Dubai Run today, I was struck by the strength of our community and what we can achieve by working together. I am immensely proud of every individual, government agency, business and organisation that took part in today’s run and the Dubai Fitness Challenge. “.
Ahmed Al Haja, CEO of Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment, said, “The Dubai Run has become an annual demonstration of our city’s collective efforts to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Seeing our community come together to participate in such events is a testament to how far we have come as a city. I would like to thank everyone who helped make today happen – the organisers, the authorities led by the Events Safety Committee, the partners and everyone who participated in the Dubai Run – I will never forget it.”
His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, commented, “The Dubai Run is simply a phenomenal event. Today, 146,000 people from our great city came together to show the world that in Dubai we make living in a healthy and happy community our priority. People of all ages, abilities and nationalities took part in today’s race, running, walking and cycling down Sheikh Zayed Street, which was transformed into a giant running track. This is truly an event that has to be seen to be believed. Congratulations to everyone who took part – you did the city proud.
—#DubaiRun led by @HamdanMohammed, saw fitness enthusiasts transform the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road into a giant running track as part of @DXBFitChallenge. pic.twitter.com/DqE2A0bh0o
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 26, 2021
The annual Dubai Fitness Challenge is just a day away, but participants still have the opportunity to take advantage of the DFC calendar of events, which offers a variety of activities for fitness and wellness enthusiasts. The three free fitness villages at Expo 2020 Dubai, Kite Beach and Mushrif Park, as well as fitness centres across Dubai and free fitness classes are still open to all. For more information, visit www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com.
The Dubai Run is organised by Dubai Tourism and Dubai Sports Council, lead partner Mai Dubai, partners Sun & Sand Sports, Etisalat, Fitbit and Emaar, official partners Emirates Airline and Noon, government partners Dubai Security Events Committee, Dubai Police, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services and Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), and media and app partners Arabian Radio Network (ARN) and STEPPI.
