- UAE National Day Run 2021
- UAE National Day Run & Walk 5K,1k & 3K Edition 7
- Arabia Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon and 10km 2021
- Al Marmoom Ultramarathon
- Dubai Canal Run
- Dubai Festival City Mall Santa Run
- The Doughnut Run
Dubai’s marathon season is back! These annual marathons in Dubai bring people together to test their fitness and raise awareness about social causes. Over the past couple of years, these sporting events have become some of the most popular in the city, attracting people from around the UAE and abroad. Participants prepare for months for the races, with rigorous diet plans, regular exercise routines and much more.
Let’s find out more about the registration, timing and venues of these marathons in Dubai.
Upcoming Marathons in Dubai
Are you ready to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone? Here is a list of all the upcoming marathons in Dubai, which you can be a part of!
UAE National Day Run 2021
Celebrate the 50th Jubilee with the UAE National Day Run 2021 on 2nd December. The race will take place on traffic-free roads around Nad Al Sheba, starting and ending at the Meydan – The Track.
From seasonal athletes to amateur runners, the race is open for all skill levels. You can run, walk or sprint the various tracks varying from 3 to 16 kilometres in length. There’s plenty of aid stations with music, plenty of energy and cheerful crowds. Don’t forget to pin the UAE flag onto your running gear!
What is the last date to register for UAE National Day Run 2021?
Registration for the race will close on 29th November 2021. And the race will be held on 2nd December 2021 from 07:30 am onwards.
How much is the UAE National Day Run 2021 registration fee?
The registration fee is AED 125 to AED 175, depending on the participant’s age and race length. Visit the Supersports UAE official website for more details.
Will participants get a certificate?
Yes, participants will receive a certificate along with refreshments, a race shirt, snacks and fruit juice.

UAE National Day Run & Walk 5K,1k & 3K Edition 7
Another famous marathon in Dubai that you can be a part of is the UAE National Day Run & Walk 5K,1k & 3K Edition 7. This is a family-friendly race that’s open to anyone who wishes to participate.
What is the last date to register for UAE National Day Run & Walk Edition 7 2021?
Registration for the race will close on 30th November 2021. The race will be held on 2nd December 2021 from 08:30 am onwards.
How much is the UAE National Day Run & Walk Edition 7 2021 registration fee?
The registration fee is AED 52.50 to AED 78.75, depending on the participant’s age and race length. Visit the Supersports UAE official website for more details.
Will participants get a certificate?
Yes, participation and winners certificates will be provided. Winners will also get trophies.
JOHNSON ARABIA DUBAI CREEK STRIDERS HALF MARATHON
Arabia Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon and 10km 2021 is back with another season. The 19th edition of this iconic race takes runners to Dubai Creek. It is one of the most popular marathons in Dubai that you can be a part of. Register today, so you don’t miss out on the excitement.
To celebrate the spirit of patriotism on the UAE National Day, a bonus 50km run will be held for seven days. Participants can be a part of the particular bonus race virtually for seven days anytime between 26th November to 10th December 2021.
All registered participants of the Johnson Arabia Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon & 10KM will automatically be enrolled for the virtual bonus race at no additional cost.
What is the last date for registration?
Registration will close on 27th November 2021.
How much is the participation fee and what are the timings of the races?
The registration fee for the 21km marathon is AED 341.25, whereas the fee for the 10 km run is AED 262.50. The marathon will start at 06:00 am onwards.
Will participants get certificates or medals?
Digital certificates, race bags, photos and snack boxes will be provided. Bonus race virtual event participants will also get a special commemorative medal if they run the 50km virtual distance over the specified period.
Al Marmoom Ultramarathon
Al Marmoom Ultramarathon (AMUM), the world’s longest desert ultra marathon, will soon return to Dubai for a new season! The race will take place in 2022 at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
The mega athletic event will include three challenging races. These include the 190km and 100km 24-hour continuous challenge while the third is a 50 km ultra-race. Participants for all three races are required to submit a medical certificate to attest to physical fitness for the challenging race.
You can register for any of the three races. The main challenge is the 190 km race, which will be completed in four days.
Last year 240 participants from 48 countries took part in this popular marathon in Dubai. This time around, the organisers are planning something substantially bigger and better.
What is the last date of registration for the Al Marmoom Ultramarathon?
The registration date is Thursday, 3rd February 2022. The cut-off date may be earlier if the race capacities are fulfilled before this date.
What are the dates for the actual races to begin?
Al Marmoom Ultramarathon dates are Tuesday 8th February to Friday 11th February 2022.
How much is Al Marmoom Ultramarathon participation fee?
The registration fee is divided into two categories based on race. The race is open to both male and female participants. Here are the registration fees for each race:
- AED 2,300 for `190km Ultramarathon
- AED 1,300 for 100km Ultramarathon
- AED 450 for 50km Ultramarathon
Will medals be handed out to participants?
All race finishers will be given a medal.
Dubai Canal Run
The highly anticipated Dubai Canal Race is back for another season. After last year’s event cancellation due to the pandemic, registration for the new season is now open. The iconic run covers a 3km, 5km and 10 km run along the scenic route towards Business Bay vista and Dubai Canal. Anyone can participate in the race. There is also a 1km route dedicated to kids and parents are welcome to run alongside for support.
What are the Dubai Canal Race 2022 dates?
The Dubai Canal Race 2022 will be held on Friday, 25th February 2022. Registration for the race is now open. Please visit raceme.ae for more details about the popular race.
What are the Dubai Canal Race 2022 registration fees?
The registration fees for the race are:
- AED 50 for 1km race for the little ones (age between 4 to 15 years)
- AED 100 for 3km race
- AED 150 for 5km race
- AED 195 for 10km race
Will medals be handed out to participants?
All race finishers will be given a medal.
DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY SANTA RUN
The Dubai Festival City Santa Run is back for another thrilling season. Gear up for the fun race in Dubai. The festive fun has three routes that cover 1km, 2.5km and 5km. Races will start from 09:00 am onwards.
What’s the Dubai Festival City Santa Run date?
The Dubai Festival City Santa Run date is Friday 10th December 2021. Registrations are open, so please visit the Dubai Festival City Mall official website or raceme.ae for registration and more information.
How much is the participation fee and what are the timings of the races?
The participation fee for Dubai Festival Run is AED 125 per person for all age groups and race lengths. Post-race briefing time is 08:40 am and the race will start from 09:00 am onwards.
The Doughnut Run
This one is for the fitness freaks and those with a sweet tooth! The first-ever Doughnut Run at the Dubai Festival City Mall is a race with a delicious twist! This is another marathon in Dubai that you shouldn’t miss.
What’s the Dubai Doughnut Run date?
The Dubai Festival City Santa Run date is Friday 3rd December 2021. Registrations are open, so please visit Dubai Festival City Mall official website or raceme.ae for registration and more information.
How much is the participation fee and what are the timings of the races?
The participation fee for Doughnut Run is AED 125 per person for all age groups.
This unique race is all about enjoying a delicious doughnut after completing a 1km run. Now you can run back to the finish line or take another lap after devouring another doughnut. Racers will be given a wristband for every doughnut consumed, to keep count of the miles they run. The race is up to 10 km.
This wraps up our list of upcoming marathons in Dubai and running events. If you are someone who isn’t accustomed to the sport, the half marathons or smaller races are an excellent way to prep for the more intense races. You can also up your fitness game for these marathons with the best free fitness classes in Dubai.
Prepare yourself by making use of the best running tracks in Dubai. And to build your strength, you can always sign up at any of the top gyms in Dubai.
Prefer to work out outdoors? Put the pedal to the metal on the cycling routes in Dubai.
