Join us in the heart of the financial district for a classic 5km, flat and fast 10km, or the ultimate 21km challenge!

Starting from in front of the Gate Building, DIFC, this IAAF measured 5km road loop takes in the spectacular sights of downtown including the iconic views of the Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers and the ground breaking architecture of the newly constructed Museum of the Future.

With the recently proposed exclusion of the 5000m & 10000m distances from the Diamond League format, this fast and flat course will be a record breaking race for our competitive running community!

Please come and support the runners! We welcome you to stay after the race and experience what the sights and sounds of DIFC have to offer!

• Run Number & Timing Chip

  You must collect your run number (race bib) before you arrive at the start on Friday 25 October. Run number collection will take place on the following dates and times at Gate District 6 Atrium, DIFC.
  
  Monday 21 October: 1200 – 1400 and 1800 – 2000
  Tuesday 22 October: 1200 – 1400 and 1800 – 2000
  Wednesday 23 October: 1200 – 1400 and 1800 – 2000
  If you do not have a valid run number you will not be permitted to enter the start assembly area.
  
  Your run number will have you name on it and this is your unique number, so only you must wear it on the day. Please don’t swap, copy or change this number, selling it on or giving someone else access to your number might put them at risk if they’re not properly prepared.
  
  Run numbers are colour-coded. 5k runners will wear an orange number, 10k runners a red number and 21k runners a blue number.
  
  Please attach your run number to the front of you T-shirt or running vest with the safety pins that will be provided when you collect your run number. You

• Event Day Timetable

  Due to road closure regulations in and around DIFC we’ve had to change the start times for all the races slightly. See the full event timetable below and please make a note of your start time. We suggest you arrive with time to spare.
  0430: Event village & Information Point Opens – Located in front of The Gate Building at DIFC
  0540: Start assembly area opens on Al Bousra Street for all distances. Please see start line plan for assembly areas.
  0610: Mai Dubai City Half Marathon mass warm-up in association with Sketchers Performance.
  0615: Start of the 5km race (orange run numbers)
  0621: Start of the 10km race (red run numbers)
  0627: Start of the 21km race (blue run numbers)
  0700: 5km medal presentation. Within event village at the Gate Building west balcony area.
  0715: 10km medal presentation. Within event village at the Gate Building west balcony area.
  0800: 21km medal presentation. Within event village at the Gate Building west balcony area.
  0915: Cut off for all 21km runners co

• Parking

  Parking is available at a number of locations around DIFC; however there will be some restrictions in place due to the road closures and traffic management around the running route. The Gate Avenue car park on DIFC Road is only a short walk (around 500m) from the start line.

• Baggage

  There is no baggage facility at the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon so please come ready to run. Leave valuables and bags locked in your car or with friends and family who are supporting you. Please do not leave any bags unattended around the event site.

• At the Start

  The Information Point is based in the event village at the Gate Building west balcony area. The information staff can deal with simple questions, but please contact the organizer prior to the event if you have any questions.
  
  Temporary toilets will be available beside the start assembly area on the grass in front of the Gate Building. There will also be toilets available on course at the Mai Dubai drink station. Toilet facilities will be busy before the run, so please allow plenty of time.
  
  Warm-up artists will be ready to get you warmed up and stretched out before you run. Make sure that you are in the start assembly area in time to take part.
  
  Look for the coloured signs that will direct runners from each race distance into the correct start assembly area. Please use all the space we have created for you.

• Runners Position

  There will be a ‘fast paced’ runners zone at the front of each assembly area. Please respect other participants and only position yourself here if you are a confident and fast runner.
  
  Race distances will be set off separately to help regulate the flow of runners through the course. Anyone walking or part walking/running the event should start at the rear of their assembly area. Please keep to the left-hand side of the road in the first few KM to allow faster runners to pass safely.

• At the Finish

  Don’t stop immediately after you cross the line, you will have to walk a short distance further to collect your Mai Dubai bottled water and your well-earned finishers medal.
  
  5km, 10km and 21km runners should follow signage and marshals directions to the event village at the Gate Avenue west balcony where they can collect their souvenir T-shirt.
  
  Please request the T-shirt size that matches the t-shirt size you chose when you entered the event. A note of the size requested will be printed on your run number.
  
  The Event village is open to everyone and features a range of activities and exhibitors for runners and their supporters to enjoy.

• What are the age categories?

  Age categories for all distances are :
  16-19 years
  20-29 years
  30-39 years
  40-49 years
  50-59 years
  60-99 years

• What are the cut off times?

  Roads will be closed and traffic management will be in place around the route to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable running experience. The Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is organised with the support of Dubai Police and RTA but we must open the roads in line with agreed timings. Entrants in the 21km event must be able to complete the full distance within 2 hours and 45 minutes – or an average pace of around 8 minutes per mile. If you cannot achieve this time you should consider moving to the 10km distance

• Medical

  Medical facilities will be available near to the start and finish line and will be positioned around the course should you require assistance. Please contact a medic or steward if you need help at any time.

• Recycling

  As event organiser, we are constantly reviewing our sustainability and recycling practices having made a concerted effort to reduce the amount of waste from plastic and other materials that impact our daily life across the entire event.
  
  We work with local partners to minimize the impact and actively remove waste from the event site. Title partner, Mai Dubai water will have teams around the start and finish and at the on-course drink station to recycle disposed plastic bottles. Please look out for the branded waste bins at the drink station to dispose of your used bottle.
  Recycling is not limited to plastic and includes, cardboard, wood and signage. Wherever possible we are using generic signage that is kept for as long as possible and used on other events.
  
  We ask that you please use the recycling bins on-site and around the Gate Avenue area to discard of any waste accordingly.
  
  Please arrive hydrated, having had enough water before getting to the start. If you feel like you’ll want a

• Top Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Run

  Make sure you are healthy enough to run the distance you have signed up for. Don’t run if you feel unwell or have been ill recently.
  
  Running can put you at risk of serious illness if you experience heart palpitations, light-headed or dizziness, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, excessive wheezing or severe joint and muscle pain. Seek advice about taking part in the event after a bout of flu or gastroenteritis.
  
  Stay comfortable and make sure you have trained in the clothes you intend to run in. Don’t use new trainers for the first time, ideally, you should have run in your shoes for around a month.
  
  Avoid chafing – Apply Vaseline to any areas where you have had chafing during training.
  
  Use weather resistant sun cream, but not too much – you don’t want it running into your eyes as you sweat.
  
  If the first few KM are crowded, don’t tire yourself out dodging in and out of runners. Try to maintain a steady, even pace – enjoy the event.
  
  Mai Dubai water will be available when

• Support Stations:

  Water stations, medical service and toilets will be located on the course, and in the Start/Finish Area.