307 thousand participants in the seventh edition of the Dubai Running Challenge

This morning, Dubai witnessed record participation in the seventh edition of the Dubai Running Challenge 2025, one of the most prominent events of the Dubai Fitness Challenge and one of the largest sporting events that Dubai witnesses throughout the year, as the number of participants reached 307,000 participants.

Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai witnessed the holding of the largest free running event in the world, sponsored by Mai Dubai, in an exceptional atmosphere, in which a large crowd of different ages, nationalities and fitness levels participated, in a scene that embodies the spirit of community cohesion and motivates all members of society to adopt an active lifestyle.

The activities began at 6:45 a.m., with thousands of participants filling the streets in a scene that brought together various segments of society in a vibrant human painting, while the waves of runners extended smoothly between the most beautiful landmarks of Dubai, including families, professional athletes, running enthusiasts, and participants experiencing the experience for the first time, in one of the most awaited events within the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025, amid stunning lighting of the famous buildings adjacent to the running track on Sheikh Road. Zayed.

The event was accompanied by a wide range of entertainment that gave participants an exceptional experience before sunrise, as paragliding displays added liveliness to the scene before dawn, while giant illuminated puppets and drumming bands spread throughout the gathering areas to ignite enthusiasm in the hearts of the participants.

DJs from the Untold Dubai festival, along with famous broadcasters Chris Fade and Katie Overy, presented interactive segments at the start and finish lines, while musicians, cane walkers and circus artists lined up along the two tracks to encourage the runners. The finish line was a celebratory event par excellence, as participants were welcomed with a refreshing spray of water and soap bubbles, along with a number of entertainment personalities who shared in the joy of completing the challenge.

Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said: The participation of 307,000 people running in the streets of Dubai this morning reflects the depth of community cohesion that characterizes the emirate. In the Year of Community in the UAE, the Dubai Running Challenge, sponsored by Mai Dubai, embodies a model of a city that makes sport and physical activity a common denominator that unites members of society of all ages, cultural backgrounds and levels of physical fitness. Since its first launch, this event has continued to achieve remarkable growth, while the large turnout in this year’s edition confirms the strengthening of Dubai’s position as an active city that inspires residents and visitors alike to adopt a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

For his part, Ahmed Al Khaja, Executive Director of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Corporation, said: The Dubai Running Challenge sponsored by Mai Dubai embodies the basic pillars on which the Dubai Fitness Challenge is based, with the diversity of participation, a wide community presence, and stimulation of movement and activity. The scene of families running side by side with professional athletes, children having their first experience on the 5 km track, and the atmosphere full of enthusiasm at the various access points, all… Elements that confirm the distinguished position that this event has become on the agenda of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. The remarkable turnout in this year’s session reflects the great positive impact that we can achieve when we move together, in one spirit, towards a healthier and more active society that includes all its segments.

Based on the slogan “Find your challenge,” participants were keen to choose what suits them from two tracks designed to suit different fitness levels. The 5-kilometre family track provided a comfortable experience that extended through downtown Dubai, ending at Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard near Dubai Mall, while the second 10-kilometre track along Sheikh Zayed Road was designated for more experienced athletes, passing through prominent landmarks including the Museum of the Future, the Dubai Water Canal, and Burj Khalifa before arriving at the Gate Building in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

With the completion of three of the most prominent major events, the Dubai Cycling Challenge sponsored by DB World, the Dubai Rowing Challenge sponsored by the Roads and Transport Authority, and the Dubai Running Challenge today, the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025 is approaching its grand finale; The Dubai Yoga event will be held on November 30 at Zabeel Park, bringing together thousands of people for a group yoga session at sunset that celebrates focus, balance and wellness, and is the perfect conclusion to an entire month of movement and community connection.

In conjunction with the main events, the three free 30×30 fitness villages, 30 30×30 community fitness centers, as well as thousands of classes and activities spread across the city, continue to provide opportunities for everyone to complete the Dubai Fitness Challenge during the last week of November.