Dubai Marathon: Major roads to close, parking options

This Friday Dubai hosts the prestigious Standard Chartered Marathon, a 42.195 km long track along which some of the world’s most competitive marathon runners will put their stamina to test.

The race will start and finish on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai.

This area will see heavy congestion, and participants, spectators or other road users are advised not to come to this area by car.

“All participants are advised NOT to attempt to park in the Downtown Dubai area.

There will be extensive road closures in place in Downtown Dubai and surrounding areas.

If you do drive to Downtown Dubai area, you do so at your own risk as this will create extensive traffic congestion and delays in getting to the start,” the marathon organisers have announced.

Extensive road closures will also be made along the entire track of the marathon, which will lead from Downtown Area to World Trade Centre via Road 312, parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road.

It will then diverge to Al Dhiyafa Street to take a leap back via Jumeriah Road.

These roads will be closed from 5am until 1pm.

Participants and spectators are advised to look out for alternative parking places along Sheikh Zayed Road.

“There are many accessible areas to park around Sheikh Zayed Road coming from Abu Dhabi and Bur Dubai direction.

“The two walkways across Sheikh Zayed Road at the Business Bay Metro Station and the Dubai Mall Metro Station will be open on the morning of the race, providing the opportunity for participants and spectators to park on the Safa Park side of Sheikh Zayed Road with direct access to the back of the start and to the Burj Park,” says the organisation.

Live bands and DJs will in Burj Park will entertain participants and spectators throughout the day.

Food and beverages will be available, as well as toilet facilities.

Besides the 42.195 km marathon race, a 10 km Road Race and 3 km Fun Race will be held on the same day.

While participants in the marathon will start at 7.00am, the 10 km runners will take off 15 minutes later, and Fun Race participants start at 10.30am.

The temperature is expected to be between 10-15 degrees Celcius at the start of the marathon race.

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