If your 2024 goals are all about fitness, or you just want to to try something new, why not skip the treadmill and sign up for something that will really get your heart racing.
If you’re looking for a challenge, there are plenty of sports events in Dubai 2024 to sign up for – whatever your age or fitness level. For those on the fitter end of the scale you can opt to run a marathon, or cycle a 92km-track. However, if you’re more a casual Sunday morning-style runner, there are shorter community jogs to take part in.
So, it’s time to make 2024 the year of your PBs. Whether you’re into running or riding, here are the big sporting events in Dubai in 2024 to sign up for.
Sports events in January
January 6: Skechers performance run series
Good shoes and plenty of excitement – that’s all you need to enjoy this series which has four tracks to choose from. You can take the 3k, 5k, 10k or 10 miles (16k) course. The runs start and end near Rashid School and will take you through the crowd-less streets near Nad Al Sheba. Finish your route and get yourself a T-shirt, medal and downloadable certificate. The other races will take place on Sunday February 11 and Sunday March 10.
Dhs125 (younger than 18); Dhs175 (18+). Sat Jan 6, 7.30am. Near Rashid School https://supersportsuae.com/events/skechers-performance-run-series/ (050 1646967)
January 7: Dubai Marathon
It’s time to put your morning running regime to the test and join the Dubai Marathon. Kick-start your 2024 with a 42km run on Sunday January 7. The race starts at 7am, beginning and ending on Umm Suqeim Road, meaning you’ll get to take in the sights of the sea and Burj Al Arab as you run. There are various options including the full 42km course, which is for over-18s only. For younger runners, there’s the 10km (ages 15+) or 4km for all ages. Registration has been extended to Saturday January 6, so there’s no excuse.
Dhs184 (4km), Dhs313 (10km), Dhs552 (42km). Sun Jan 7, 7am. Umm Suqeim, dubaimarathon.org.
January 20: Bubble Run, Expo City
Fan of bubbles? Then you’ll like this sud-filled affair. As part of the run, happening on Saturday January 20, contestants will race through Expo City’s Al Wasl Avenue all the while being covered in lather. There are two routes to choose from depending on your age and fitness levels – there’s one that will take you through a 4km path and another that’s 8km in length. The races will happen in waves – every ten minutes between 4pm and 4.30pm.
From Dhs35. Sat Jan 20, 4pm onwards. Bubble Run, Expo City Dubai. premieronline.com.
January 20: Mina Rashid Marina Run
Lace up those shoes and warm up. This route near the Deira Islands neighbourhood is the perfect pitch to see how well those workouts are training you. You can choose from three distances — 3km, km and 10km — to test your mettle, so don’t worry if you only want to do a short sprint. At the end of it all, you’ll be rewarded with a certificate, medal and T-shirt, besides refreshments.
Dhs125 (younger than 18); Dhs175 (18+). Sat Jan 20, 7.30am. Mina Rashid Marina. supersportsuae.com (050 164 6967).
January 21: Burj2Burj
This brand-new half marathon is taking place on Sunday January 21, so if you want to enjoy the views while you pound the pavements, sign up now. The aim is to run between two of Dubai’s most iconic buildings – Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa. The 21.1km race is for over 16s and starts at the Burj Al Arab and heads down the Jumeirah coastline, before crossing the Dubai Water Canal and finishing at Burj Khalifa. There’s a race village with activities, food stands and more at Burj Park, so be sure to tell your friends and family to meet you at the end. Registrations close Saturday January 13, so if you’re looking for some post-Christmas fitness motivation, this could be it.
Dhs200. Sun Jan 21, 6am. Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim, burj2burj.com.
January 21: DIP Cycling Challenge
This neighbourhood sporting challenge is open to all ages and abilities and gives you four routes to compete in. There are the family-friendly 6km and 10km options and the more grueling 20km and 40km dashes. Winners get rewarded handsomely too – there are cash prizes of up to Dhs30,000 on the line for those who take the harder (20km and 40km) routes. Are you ready to ride?
Dhs35 (6km); Dhs45 (10km); Dhs75 (20km); Dhs105 (40km). Sun Jan 21, 5am. Dubai Investments Park. dipcyclingchallenge.ae. (04 333 9222).
January 21: Community runs at Ripe Market
If you want a fitness goal, but aren’t quite ready for a marathon, then this sporting event in Dubai, hosted by the Ripe Market, could be for you. There are three distances to test yourself over – 2.5km, 5km and 10km and there are two runs on the horizon in 2024 – on Sunday January 21 and Sunday April 14. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, refuel at one of the many food stalls.
Dhs110 (2.5km), Dhs120 (5km), Dhs130 (10km). Sun Jan 21 and April 14, 7am. Ripe Market Academy Park, Umm Suqeim, ripeevents.com.
January 21: King & Queen Swim Race
Think you’re pretty good when it comes to swimming? Put your skills up for show and take part in the King & Queen Swim Race. Taking place at Dubai Islands on Sunday January 21, the race starts at 6.15am and there are different distances depending on your fitness. Choose between 800m, 1.6km or 3.2km. Meanwhile for kids there’s a 200m and 400m route, for ages eight and above, so the whole gang can have a go.
Dhs40 (200m or 400m), Dhs90 (800m), Dhs110 (1.6km), Dhs140 (3.2km). Sun Jan 21, 6.15am. Dubai Islands, raceroster.com (04 457 8620).
Sports events in February
February 4: Expo City Dubai Run
Feel the wind in your hair as you pound the pavement at Expo City during this run, organised by Promoseven Sports Marketing in partnership with Dubai Sports Council, and Expo City Dubai. There are three routes to choose from. The 5k is great for families or casual runners (or those who haven’t yet done a marathon), while the 10k is for those looking for a bit of a challenge and the 21k is for those who want to put their endurance to the test.
Dhs150 (5km); Dhs175 (10km); Dhs225 (21km). Sun Feb 4, 7am onwards. Promosevensports.com
February 10: M1 Run
Want to put your training to the test? If so, this is the right race for you. The M1 run will see participants navigate a seven-storey uphill carpark spanning 1.2km, followed by a run up a 33-floor stairwell at Media One Hotel & Tower, made up of over 700 stairs. While it’s not for the faint-hearted, this event does come with rewards – up to Dhs10,000 in prize, goody bags and medals. Besides, all that exercise is towards another good cause – all profits will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation for cancer patient treatments.
From Dhs150. Sat Feb 10, 7.30am (registration); 9am (race). P7 Arena, Media One Hotel. hopasports.com
February 11: Skechers performance run series
This run starts near Rashid School in Nad Al Sheba and takes you on a long and winding run through the community’s streets. Feel the ground beneath your feet and the stretch in your muscles as you compete on the 3km, 5km, 10k or 16km routes. At the end of the run, you’ll get a T-shirt, a medal and a downloadable certificate.
Dhs125 (younger than 18); Dhs175 (18+). Sat Jan 6, 7.30am. Near Rashid School https://supersportsuae.com/events/skechers-performance-run-series/ (050 1646967)
February 25: Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge
Budding cyclist or more of a regular rider? Build-up rides from 35km have been taking place since October, ahead of this massive race on Sunday February 25. It’s now time to get involved with the main event, and registrations are open. Covering 92km, those older than 19 are eligible and there’s a shorter 40km ride for 13-year-olds and above.
Dhs325 (all distances). Sun Feb 25, 6am. Expo City Dubai, cyclechallenge.ae.
Sports events in March
March 3: The Unity Run
Run for a good cause when you take part in the Unity Run at Expo City Dubai. The ‘race’ allows you to walk, jog or run over 3km, 5km or 10km routes. The idea is to flex those muscles a bit and support inclusivity. People of Determination are welcome at the event.
Free (kids, People of Determination); Dhs50 (3km); Dhs100 (5km); Dhs150 (10km). Sun Mar 3. Expo City Dubai. unityrun.ae (04 333 9 222).
March 10: Skechers performance run series
Wend your way through the streets near Rashid School in Nad Al Sheba when you take part in this run. There are four options – 3k, 5k, 10k or 16k – to pick from. When you finish, you’ll take home a T-shirt, medal and downloadable certificate.
Dhs125 (younger than 18); Dhs175 (18+). Sat Jan 6, 7.30am. Near Rashid School https://supersportsuae.com/events/skechers-performance-run-series/ (050 1646967)
March 17: GRIT+TONIC Triathlon at Al Mamzar Park
Prepare for an action-packed triathlon that starts with open water swimming through the lagoon, followed by cycling and running through Mamzar. This unique beachfront course is lined with palm trees and a sea view, perfect for both first-timers and experienced triathletes. Not only will all finishers get medals, but they will also get T-shirts. This community event is full of music, supporters, and athletes who all share a common aim – to complete the triathlon.
Dhs250 (under 18), Dhs330 (adults), Dhs200 (relay). Sun March 17, 6:30am onwards. Alexandria St, Al Mamzar, Dubai. supersportsuae.com (04 164 6967).
Sports events in April
April 14: Community runs at Ripe Market
There are two super healthy things you can do at Ripe Market this year – eat better (there are plenty of homegrown, organic options to choose from) and exercise more. Start off with a friendly community run, where it doesn’t matter if you come in first or last. The best part? there are three different distance opportunities – 2.5km, 5km and 10km – so just pick the one that suits your temperament for the day.
Dhs110 (2.5km), Dhs120 (5km), Dhs130 (10km). Sun April 14, 7am. Ripe Market Academy Park, Umm Suqeim, ripeevents.com.
Sport events in May
May 5 – Desert Palm X-Country Run
Starting bright and early, you’ll be setting off at 6am for this 3km, 5km or 10km run around the Melia Desert Palm Hotel.
Jogging around the track, the route will take you through the surrounding horse fields and nature before you finish up with some refreshments.
The event is open to all the family, meaning you can head there solo or take the little ones to burn off some steam.
All finishers will also go home with a t-shirt, medal and downloadable certificate. Registration closes at 11.59pm on Fri, May 3.
From Dhs125. Sat 5 May, 6am. Melia Desert Palm Hotel, supersportsuae.com (050 164 6967).
May 15 – Dubai Harbour Night Run
Dig out your neon running gear for this one. Starting at 7.30pm, the run will take you on either a 3km, 5km or 10km route where you can look onto the glittering lights of Ain Dubai, Dubai Marina and the Palm.
Blaring music to get you hyped and keeping up the pace, the mid-week run is a great opportunity to make the most of the evening (the couch can wait for another day).
Reaching the finish line, you will receive a T-shirt and medal, snacks and some refreshments to rehydrate.
From Dhs125. Wed May 15, 7.30pm, Park View Dubai Harbour, premieronline.com.
May 19 – DXB Snow Run
If you were planning a run in Dubai, this is likely not to be the location you were thinking of. However, Ski Dubai will be hosting its DXB Snow Run on the slopes on May 19, and it will definitely keep you cool. Open to ages 13-70, you can sign up either solo or in a team of five for the challenge, which is either a 3km or 5km run.
Although a chillier affair, running through the snow isn’t easy, so expect to be put through your paces as you climb up and down the mini mountain. Registration closes May 16.
From Dhs110. Sun May 19, 6am, Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, skidxb.com (04 409 4000).
May 19 – RX Women’s Cycling Race 2024
Another early start, the ride will begin at 6am, so grab your helmet and get pedalling. Heading around Deira Island, the route will cover both a 20km and 30km course, so be prepared to have legs like jelly when you finish up.
Only open to women, the Peloton event will let you enjoy the surroundings as you clock in an impressive distance. There are even cash prizes available for the winners, as well as a Tour de France Green jersey for whoever bags first place.
From Dhs39.30. Sun May 19, 6am, next to Hotel Riu Dubai, premieronline.com.
May 25 – BIA Warrior Challenge
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One for all the family, this warrior course involves problem solving, obstacles and a lot of team work to get you over the finish line.
Starting in qualifier rounds, your aim is to get the fastest time on the course to be in with a shot of winning. Or if you’re not fussed about the medals, the day is a great opportunity to get active and have a laugh.
From Dhs150, Sat May 25, noon-5pm, Bia Warrior Dubai, Al Asayel Rd Warehouse 1, biawarrior.com, (050 203 7653).
Sport events in June
June 1 – FitnGlam x LEANA DEEB Live Class
Want to work out to a live DJ? This class is set to get your energy levels up and is all about empowering women. For ladies only, the event will be hosted by fitness icon Leana Deeb as she takes participants through a serious set of exercises.
All about loving yourself and your body, the day starts at 8am, where begin with a 45-minute weighted class, followed with refreshments and a gift bag. Then the event will host a sit down Q&A with Leana, where you can get some advice from the fitness entrepreneur. All attending will also go home with a free goodie bag – what more can you ask for?
From Dhs157.50. Sat June 1, 8am, Theatre of Digital Art, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, premieronline.com (04 333 2215).
June 9 – Wellman Summer Run
Located at Al Barari, spend the morning running around the lush greenery and beating the summer heat. Open to all ages, the smallest route is only 1km, so you really have no excuse.
A community event designed to get all of your household active before summer, start the weekend off fit and healthy. There are even prizes for multiple categories, so you might come home with something too.
From Dhs105. Sun June 9, 6am, Al Barari Playground premieronline.com.
Sport events in October
Oct 25 – 27 – Dubai Active
Coming back from the summer months, the weekend-long event will focus on celebrating fitness and wellness. Hosting fitness and yoga classes, nutrition talks and special meet and greets with celebrity trainers, around 35,000 people are expected to take part.
Ticket registration is now open for Dubai Active, which will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Opening hours tbc, Fri Oct 25 – Sun Oct 27, Dubai World Trade Centre, dubaiactiveshow.com (04 559 4732).
Oct 26 – Battle Cancer Challenge
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Raising money for an important cause, the event was created to help those affected by cancer and will be in Dubai in October.
Taking place at the Sevens Stadium, the day will involve a range of fitness challenges and events. Asking everyone to complete 20,000 reps in 90 minutes, participants will move around different stations to complete the challenge.
Registration is now open, so what are you waiting for.
Sat Oct 26, 8am, Dubai Rugby Sevens Stadium, Al Ain Road, battlecancer.com (04 809 6605).
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