Stretch out those hammies and fish out your sneakers, Dubaiites. It’s running season! The weather’s cooling. Moreover, Dubai Fitness Challenge, the annual workout festival that encourages residents to exercise for 30 minutes for 30 consecutive days, has also kicked off in time for the drop in temperature. Which means it’s time to ditch the treadmills and indoor spin classes for the great outdoors of our city.
We’ve picked the most fun races in Dubai that you can participate in this November.
1. The Doughnut Run
This race does exactly what it promises. You chow down on delicious doughnuts on your way to the finish line. Find details and registration info here.
2. Dubai Holding Sky Run
Race to the top quite literally with this vertical run that will see you jog up flights of stairs. 52 floors, 1334 steps and 265 metres, precisely. While we’re out of breath just looking at those numbers, you can sign up for this annual event conducted at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, whether you’re a trained athlete or the only time you sprint is to squeeze yourself into a closing elevator.
It’s happening on November 12 and you can bound up the stairs on your own or as part of a team. This uphill race is the first event of its kind to be recognised by the International SkyRunning Federation, so you’ll have bragging rights when you make it to the top.
Register here
3. Mai Dubai Community Run
This fun run is part of a series of 5 races that will be held once every month from November 2022 to March 2023. The first of the series kicks off on November 12 at The Ripe Market in Academy Park as part of Dubai Fitness Challenge. Runners of all ages and fitness levels can sign up for the 2.5km (AED 100) or 5km (AED110) course or go the distance with the more demanding 10km (AED 120). Slow your heart rates post run with a nourishing brekkie or shopping spree at one of Ripe Market’s many stalls.
Register here
4. Dubai Women’s Run
Who run the world? Girls. And they’ll be the ones running this race too, which is in fact the Arab world’s largest women’s sporting event. This will be the 9th edition of this female-only run lets you race alongside stars of the track and field world such as Manal Rostom (first Egyptian woman to scale Mt. Everest) and others. It’s happening at Bluewaters Island on November 13, so you can run while soaking up views of the Ain Dubai. Choose from either a 5km or a 10km course or sign up for the 3km family fun run/walk.
Register here
5. Emirates NBD Unity Run
This inclusive race in the Dubai Fitness Challenge is your chance to support people of determination as the race raises money for three different organisations: Al Noor Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination, Senses Residential and Day Care Centre, and Beit Al Khair.
Pick a route spanning 3km, 5km or 10km and walk and run your way through it at the Dubai Design District. The race is open to people of all abilities. Entry fees vary according to the distance you choose to run and is AED 50 for 3km, AED 100 for 5km and AED 150 for 10km. People of determination can join in for free free with a companion. Stick around after the race to check out the Unity Village’s fun arts and crafts markets, chill music sessions and food stalls. November 19; register here
6. Run The Track
Dubai’s motorheads can change gears and go for a full throttle jog around the Dubai Autodrome with Run The Track. On November 20, the circuit will be free of cars and will be overrun with athletes and sprinters instead. Run either 3km, 5km, or 10km, and cross the finish line at the chequered flag. Both seasoned runners and novices can take their human bodies out for a test run and see how well-tuned a machine it is. Registration fee for 3km is AED 105, 5km is AED 126 and 10km is AED 147.
7. Expo City Dubai Night Run Series
Nothing beats the feel of the cold night air whipping your face as you hit the pavements at a steady space. Add to that the spectacular views of illuminated Wasl Plaza and Expo City’s brilliant pavilions and you’re in for a treat. Do all of that at the Dubai Fitness Challenge’s Night Run on November 22 at Expo City. This after dark run lets you choose from a distance of 2.5km or 5km. Plus, all participants get to go home with a commemorative t-shirt, certificate and a medal. A fun addition to Expo memorabilia such as the coveted Expo passport. It’s going to be a refreshing change from being stuck in all the long queues at Expo 2020 this last year.
Register here