Coronavirus: Hundreds of runners set for Dubai half marathon as strict safety measures are imposed

Experts from the UK have drawn up Covid-19 protocols for the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon on Friday

The Mai Dubai City Half Marathon will return on Friday with safety in mind after a successful debut in 2019. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

Hundreds of runners will be on their marks for the start of a major Dubai street race this Friday as sporting events strives to get back on their feet amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Organisers of the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon have drafted in international experts to ensure safety comes first when the big race gets under way.

The inaugural half marathon last year attracted more than 2,500 participants but the entry list has been slimmed down to roughly 400 as part of comprehensive precautionary measures.

Dubai International Financial Centre will play host to the event.

Strict safety protocols have been drawn up by a team from the United Kingdom to allow the competition to get up and running.

“The safety of runners, staff and contractors is our top priority and we are working closely with relevant partners and Government bodies, including Dubai Sports Council and Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, as well as taking best practice from similar events held around the world to ensure that all necessary procedures are in place," said Steven Matthijs of Promoseven Sports Marketing, the organisers of the race.

“We are confident that the 2020 Mai Dubai City Half Marathon will be fun and challenging for all runners while adhering to all social distancing parameters.

“It’s been a challenging year for many us and we’re so excited to be staging this much-loved running event for our community. Staying active is vital for our physical and mental well-being and we hope that people of all levels of fitness and running experience will join us for what promises to be a fun and energetic morning.”

Strong safety measures will be in place

• A drive-through collection point will be set to allow entrants to pick up race packs while limiting gatherings and person-to-person contact.

• Contactless temperature checks for all participants will be carried out before and after the race.

•  Automatic no-touch sanitisation and water distribution will be in place on the course.

• Intensive cleaning of key areas will be conducted.

• Race times will be staggered to avoid large crowds of runners being packed closely together.

This year's race, overseen by Dubai Sports Council with the support of Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority, will feature 5km, 10km and 21km races, with all starting and finishing in front of the Gate Building in DIFC.

The new-look route will take runners on a 5km loop through the heart of the financial district, with Emirates Towers, the Museum of the Future and the Burj Khalifa providing an impressive backdrop.

Dubai sports scene adapts to challenges of pandemic

Large sports events are gradually resuming in Dubai, in line with coronavirus regulations.

On Friday, the Roy Nasr Memorial Triathlon welcomed 400 triathletes at JA The Resort in Jebel Ali, down from the 1,000 or more who usually take part.

Entry numbers were limited and no spectators were allowed as athletes wore face masks as part of measures aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.

Athletes stood two metres apart in queues and wore masks until they entered the water, marking the first segment of the triathlon.

Dustin Fell, a resident of South Africa, missed being cheered on but was relieved to compete outdoors.

"It's a different type of race. One of the challenges is racing without everyone cheering you on. You don't build off the energy of the crowd," said the 32-year-old who works in real estate.

“But it is amazing to race again. Sports is such a connector of people. We support each other, first or last, it does not matter."