Dubai Run attracts over 226,000 participants

Dubai witnessed an extraordinary display of community spirit on Sunday morning as the emirate's Crown Prince led more than 226,000 participants in the fifth edition of Dubai Run.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum thanked everyone who joined the world's largest community fun run, surpassing last year’s numbers.

In a remarkable display of unity, Sheikh Hamdan, along with UAE astronauts Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi and Hazzaa Al Mansoori, joined the wider community on the 10 km route to show their shared passion for fitness.

Joining the run were also Dr. Al Neyadi’s fellow Expedition 69 crew members from his historic mission aboard the International Space Station, including American astronauts Stephen Bowen, Warren Hoburg, and Francisco Rubio, as well as Russian cosmonauts Sergey Prokopev, Dimitrii Petelin, and Andrei Fediaev.

Their presence and participation served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of embracing a healthy lifestyle.

A big thank you to all 226,000 participants who joined Dubai Run!

Stay active! Keep running Dubai. #dubai30x30 pic.twitter.com/qCzlr4OcYR

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) November 26, 2023

Captivating participants from all walks of life, the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road was transformed into a giant running track, providing an epic opportunity to experience Dubai like never before.

Catering to runners of all levels, Dubai Run offered two distinct routes that ensured every participant had an unforgettable adventure.

The first was the exhilarating 10 km Sheikh Zayed Road route, where participants could push their limits while surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks - a thrilling challenge that allowed runners to conquer the urban landscape and create lasting memories.

There was also the 5 km Downtown course, which presented a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to come together and embark on a memorable journey through the heart of the city.

At the launch of the fifth edition of the Dubai Run, Dr. Al Neyadi presented the Dubai Fitness Challenge flag to Sheikh Hamdan, in a gesture symbolising appreciation for His Highness' commitment to the wellbeing and happiness of the Dubai community by encouraging the adoption of sports as a crucial element in preserving human health.

Dr. Al Neyadi had carried the Dubai Fitness Challenge flag during his historic six-month journey aboard the International Space Station.

This symbolic act aimed to reiterate the significance of daily exercise and an active lifestyle in the UAE. As the flag floated in space, against the backdrop of planet Earth, it served as a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration and the global pursuit of health and well-being.

.@HamdanMohammed leads the world’s largest fun run event, the "#Dubai Run," along Dubai’s iconic Sheikh Zayed Road this morning, with thousands of runners participating, reflecting Dubai’s status as one of the most active and dynamic cities worldwide. pic.twitter.com/PcaJj6jhKk

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 26, 2023

Stunning moments captured during the #Dubai Run. pic.twitter.com/iMVgUUVFUE

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 26, 2023