4.46 AM Friday, 29 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:56 06:10 12:26 15:53 18:37 19:52
29 March 2024

Be inspired by the marathon

Published
By Aimee Greaves

(DENNIS B MALLARI)   



If next week’s marathon has motivated you to dust off those running shoes you will be pleased to know there are lots of events happening throughout the year across the UAE. So if you have been inspired to get off the sofa, here are the races where you can test your speed and ensure you are in shape for next year’s big run:


THE RAK INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON

The 21km run takes place at the northern emirate’s city centre in a few weeks’ time on February 8. It has a charity element with half of the registration fee donated to the official charity, the Paul Tergat Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that helps disadvantaged children in rural Africa. You are also encouraged to raise extra money for the organisation, or a charity of your choice, through sponsorship.

For an individual it costs Dh100 until Saturday and Dh150 until registration closes on January 25. Relay teams can also enter for Dh500 or Dh750 depending on the date. For details visit www.rakmarathon.org.

TERRY FOX RUN

This event is the legacy of cancer sufferer Terry Fox, who died in 1981 aged 22. Before his death he aimed to run across Canada, but became too ill to complete what he called his Marathon of Hope.

TheTerry Fox Run now takes place annually around the world to raise money for cancer research. More than $400 million (Dh1.47 billion) has been raised so far and it comes to the UAE next month.

One race starts from the Sheraton Hotel in Abu Dhabi on February 8, where you can choose to complete the 8.5km route on foot, rollerskates or in your wheelchair. The Dubai course, which ranges from 4.6km to 8.4km, starts at Al Mamzar Park on February 15. For information visit www.terryfoxrun.org.

ABU DHABI STRIDERS HALF MARATHON AND 10KM

If a half marathon is too much but you still want a competitive race, this event has the best of both worlds. You don’t have to be a member of the club to take part on March 7 but there will be a fee of Dh100, which will include a T-shirt and post-race brunch.

Keep an eye on the website at www.abudhabistriders.com next month for details on how to participate in the event, which will take place at the Golf and Equestrian Club.

ABU DHABI HALF MARATHON

This 21km event around the capital in November is the main race before the Dubai Marathon and will therefore be good for anyone planning to take part next January, to make sure you are on course with your training.

Full details are not yet available, but the race is organised by the Abu Dhabi Striders, who meet three times a week at venues in the capital. For more information visit www.abudhabistriders.com.