Registration is now open for the landmark 25th edition of the Dubai Marathon, scheduled to take place on February 1, 2026.
Organized with the support of the Dubai Sports Council, the silver jubilee edition of the Middle East’s oldest international road race is expected to draw participants from over 140 countries.
The 2026 Dubai Marathon marks a 25-year legacy of elite racing and global participation. A series of special events and celebrations are planned in the lead-up to race day to commemorate the occasion.
Renowned for its flat and fast course that has produced numerous world-class performances, the Dubai Marathon remains one of the most prominent athletic events on Dubai’s sports calendar. It is also ranked among the top ten marathons worldwide.
The race was the first in the region to receive the Gold Label Status from World Athletics and has welcomed some of the sport’s biggest names over the years. In 2008, legendary runner Haile Gebrselassie achieved the second-fastest marathon time in history during his debut race in Dubai, significantly elevating the event’s global profile.
To celebrate this major milestone, Race Director Peter Connerton confirmed the launch of a special year-long anniversary campaign. “In partnership with the Dubai Sports Council and various government bodies, we’re pleased to announce the opening of registration for the 25th Dubai Marathon,” he said. “We are preparing a series of special events throughout the year to honor the silver jubilee.”
“Since our first race, the Dubai Marathon has grown into a world-leading running event,” Connerton noted. “Highlights such as Gebrselassie’s 2008 performance and the momentous 2018 race — which saw seven runners finish under 2:05 — have firmly established Dubai among the elite in global marathoning.”
The 2026 edition will once again include a variety of races to suit all abilities: the full 42.195 km marathon, a 10 km road race, and a 4 km fun run.
Runners can register today via the official website: www.dubaimarathon.org
Spotlight on emerging stars
In recent years, the Dubai Marathon has served as a launchpad for rising talents. Among them are Tamirat Tola, winner of the 2017 men’s race and current Olympic champion, and Ruth Chepngetich, who triumphed in her marathon debut in 2019. More recently, in 2024, Ethiopia’s Boti Gelemeshu claimed victory in the men’s race with an impressive time of 2:04:51, while Berdado Hirpa set a personal best of 2:18:27 to win the women’s race after a fierce battle with defending champion Dera Dida.
Ahmed Al Kamali, general coordinator of the Dubai Marathon, emphasized the city’s ongoing commitment to hosting world-class events. “With its cutting-edge infrastructure, world-leading transport network, and wide variety of accommodations, Dubai is uniquely positioned to host international sporting events,” he said. “The marathon continues to be a key driver for promoting Dubai as a global destination for sports and tourism.”
“We can’t wait to welcome runners from across the globe as we commemorate the 25th edition of the Dubai Marathon — the first international marathon in the Middle East,” Al Kamali added.
— V.2 Editorial Team
