Registration is now open for the 26th edition
Start stretching those calves and dust off your running shoes because the countdown is on.
The Dubai Marathon is officially making its return on Sunday, 17 January 2027, and registration is now open for one of the region’s biggest and longest-running sporting events.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best, ticking a marathon off your bucket list or simply in it for the post-run bragging rights, there’s a race for every level.
Alongside the full 42.195km marathon, runners can also sign up for the 10km Road Race or the more relaxed 4km Fun Run, making it an event the whole family can enjoy.
Now heading into its 26th edition, the Dubai Marathon has become a true sporting institution.
Over the past 25 years, more than 400,000 runners have crossed its finish line, and this year’s silver anniversary edition attracted almost 20,000 participants from 151 countries.
Even more impressively, nearly 40% of runners travelled from outside the UAE, proving Dubai remains a major draw on the global running calendar.
The 2026 race also delivered plenty of memorable moments, with Ethiopia’s Nibret Melak continuing the event’s remarkable streak of first-time marathon winners by storming to victory in 2:04:00.
Fellow Ethiopian Anchinalu Dessie also lit up the course, smashing her personal best to claim the women’s title in 2:18:31.
Organisers say interest in next year’s event has already been strong, with runners from around the world eager to combine a fast course with a winter escape to Dubai.
So whether you’re aiming to break records, beat your neighbour, or simply survive 4km without stopping for a coffee, 17 January is your date with the starting line.
The medals, memories and inevitable sore legs are waiting.
Sunday, 17 January, 2027, Dubai. For further information, visit dubaimarathon.org
