What To Know
- Known for its flat, wide roads and breathtaking city landmarks, the marathon has earned a global reputation as a personal-best-friendly course, making it a must-run for elite athletes and casual runners alike.
- Its flat course makes it ideal for runners chasing personal bests, while the backdrop of the city’s landmarks – from Burj Khalifa to the Arabian Gulf – makes it visually spectacular.
- The Dubai Marathon offers one of the largest prize purses on the international marathon circuit.
The Dubai Marathon, one of the world’s fastest and most scenic races, is back for its 25th edition on February 1, 2026. Known for its flat, wide roads and breathtaking city landmarks, the marathon has earned a global reputation as a personal-best-friendly course, making it a must-run for elite athletes and casual runners alike.
Whether you’re aiming for a personal record or simply soaking in the sunrise over Dubai’s iconic skyline, this year’s marathon promises excitement, speed, and unforgettable views.
The Route: A Runner’s Paradise
The 42.195 km race begins near Madinat Jumeirah, before heading along Al Sufouh Road and onto Jumeirah Beach Road. Its famously flat layout, with long straight stretches and minimal turns, makes it one of the fastest marathons in the world.
Key Landmarks Along the Course
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Burj Al Arab – Dubai’s iconic sail-shaped hotel appears multiple times along the route.
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Jumeirah Beach Hotel – The wave-like façade frames a scenic stretch of the marathon.
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Palm Jumeirah Entrance – Runners glimpse the world-famous manmade archipelago.
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Downtown Dubai & Burj Khalifa – The race finishes with a dramatic view of the world’s tallest building.
Marathon Numbers You Should Know
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Distance: 42.195 km
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Cut-off time: 6 hours
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2025 Finishers: 1,809
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Elite winners in 2025:
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Men: Bute Gemechu – 2:04:51
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Women: Bedatu Hirpa – 2:18:27
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Dubai’s fast roads attract top international athletes, and Ethiopian runners continue to dominate the podium.
Rewards & Prizes
The Dubai Marathon offers one of the largest prize purses on the international marathon circuit:
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Men’s and Women’s Champions: USD 80,000 (~Dhs293,800)
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Prize money is awarded down to 10th place, motivating a competitive field.
Race-Day Tips
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Early start: The marathon begins before sunrise, so plan to arrive early.
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Road closures: Expect partial closures along the route – check local guidance.
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Spectator spots: Best viewing points include Madinat Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, and Downtown Dubai.
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Social sharing: Tag your photos on social media @whatsondubai to share your Dubai Marathon experience.
Why the Dubai Marathon is Unique
The Dubai Marathon combines world-class speed with breathtaking scenery. Its flat course makes it ideal for runners chasing personal bests, while the backdrop of the city’s landmarks – from Burj Khalifa to the Arabian Gulf – makes it visually spectacular.
With its 25th anniversary edition, the marathon celebrates a quarter-century of fast times, international competition, and community spirit. Whether you’re running, cheering, or following online, this event embodies the energy and ambition of Dubai itself.
Event Details
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Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
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Location: Madinat Jumeirah to Downtown Dubai
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Distance: 42.195 km
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Website & Registration: Official Dubai Marathon Website
