Dubai Run 2022: How to register, date, where to collect passes, T-shirts and more

The highlight of the Dubai Fitness Challenge returns for a fourth year this weekend

One of the UAE's biggest thoroughfares was closed to traffic last year as tens of thousands of runners took part in the Dubai Run 2021. All photos: Ruel Pableo / The National unless otherwise specified

The annual event was the culmination of the month-long Dubai Fitness Challenge, where UAE citizens, residents and visitors are invited to take part in 30 minutes of exercise, every day for 30 days

Participants enjoy the carnival atmosphere on Sheikh Zayed Road

The Dubai Run started next to the Museum of the Future at 6am

Jumping and jogging, the early morning run saw people in high spirits

The race ended near the Dubai World Trade Centre

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, at the start of the Dubai Run

Sheikh Hamdan soaks up the atmosphere

Families and children made up much of the crowd for the fun run, which has two routes along Sheikh Zayed Road, one of 5km and one of 10km. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Runners gather outside the Museum of the Future, at the start of the run. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Participants take selfies in front of the Museum of the Future

The Dubai Run started before sunrise

Thousands of people took part in the run. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Dubai Police supercars lead the way at the start of the Dubai Run. Photo: Dubai Media Office

The annual Dubai Run gives participants free rein to take over the 14-lane Sheikh Zayed Road in what has become one of the world's biggest free fun runs. Last year, more than 146,000 runners, joggers, wheelchair-users and walkers participated in the event, a highlight of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

Now in its fourth year, the event promises to be even bigger. Here's everything you need to know about the Dubai Run 2022.

When is the Dubai Run 2022 taking place and what time will it begin?

The Dubai Run will take place on Sunday, with the race set to start at 6.30am. Those who have registered to take part in one of the two routes — 5km and 10km — should arrive at 4am.

The run must finish by 8.30am so the roads can open again to traffic, so it's important to arrive in good time to complete the race.

What route will the race take?

Both the 5km and 10km routes will give participants a once-a-year chance to run along Sheikh Zayed Road.

The 5km route begins near the Museum of the Future. It then passes Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera and ends near The Dubai Mall.

The 10km route follows Sheikh Zayed Road to the Dubai Water Canal, then returns towards World Trade Centre before ending on Al Mustaqbal Street near the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Who can participate?

The Dubai Run is open to everyone irrespective of age and fitness abilities. While the 5km route is suitable for all, the 10km is better suited to more experienced runners.

People of determination are also encouraged to join and should contact [e-mail] to find their dedicated starting area.

How to register for the run and claim a free race T-shirt

Participants must register for free on www.dubairun.com and then collect their free T-shirts and numbered bib from the locations below. Free T-shirts are available for all participants who register for Dubai Run, however, numbers are limited, so those who register earlier have more chances of getting one.

Having a Dubai Run bib is mandatory to participate. Collection points are at:

• Ibn Battuta Mall (India Court, near the Elephant Clock)
• Dubai Hills Mall (first floor, near FitnGlam)
• City Centre Deira (level 2, near Aloft Hotel)

Bib distribution is open during normal mall opening hours from Thursday to Saturday.

How to get to the event

The routes along the Dubai Run will be closed to motorists on Sunday morning, with the Roads and Transport Authority set to announce specific road closures soon. The Dubai Metro will be open from 3.30am and is the easiest way to travel to and from the event. Make sure you have a Nol card with at least Dh15 credit in order to use the metro.

If you are running the 5km route, head to Emirates Towers metro station to start your run. If you are on the 10km route, head to World Trade Centre or Max (Al Jafiliya) metro stations.

For those who prefer to drive, there is limited parking available near all metro stations. Alternatively, park at one of the Dubai World Trade Centre car parks for the 10km route, or at The Dubai Mall for the 5km route where participants can make their way to the start line using Dubai Metro.

Staying hydrated

Hydration is key during Dubai Run and sponsor Mai Dubai will provide water stations at the start and finish lines as well as along both routes, to ensure participants have access to water throughout the event. This year, Mai Dubai is partnering with DGrade, a company that turns discarded plastic bottles into t-shirts, to recycle bottles after the event.

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