Starting from the 5 star Melia Desert Palm Hotel, run through the stunning gardens across manicured grass polo fields, through sandy urban tracks and on tree lined roads. Voted as one of the best running venues in Dubai, The Desert Palm Cross Country Run powered by ANTA takes you past grazing horses, chirping birds and beautiful flowers – as if you were out in the countryside. The race starts on grass and then changes to sand, gravel and paved roads as you head along the private roads of the estate.
 
 
Join Anta and Super Sports for this X – C Run, from advanced to fun runners, young or experienced, run or walk 3k, 5k, 10k or 15k. Music, refreshments, parents & children running together and a community feel is what makes this race special. This is Urban X-Country at its best!

All important race information can be found in the EVENT INFORMATION and Download section.                                                                                                                             

• How do I find my race number?

  Race Numbers will be allocated once entries close and be available for download from midday on the Friday before the Race.

• When is Race Check In and race number and timing chip collection?

  Your race number and timing chip collection is on the morning of the race at Race Check In which opens at 6.45am.
  Race Check-In can be found in the field near the Start / Finish line.
  Race numbers will be emailed to all runners and will also be on show at Race Check In on the morning of the race.
  Once you know your race number, proceed directly to your respective Bib collection desk and collect your Bib # with timing chip attached.
  You must have checked in and received your timing chip 20 minutes before your race start.

• Data check - Did I register with the correct date of birth and gender?

  When collecting your race number, you will be asked your full name, gender and age. This is to check that you are collecting the correct race number and that you are not entered into the wrong age category or gender. Please assist our staff with this data check to ensure the correct race results are recorded for all participants.

• What are the Course Highlights?

  Polo fields, horse paddocks, private roads closed to traffic, 5* Melia hotel amenities, established gardens, trees and greenery.

• What are the venue Directions and Parking Info?

  Click on this link
  Meliá Desert Palm Meliá Collection
  
  Parking - follow signage and marshal directions as you enter the venue. Lots of Parking close to Start / Finish line.

• What are the Race Day Program & Timings?

  Be checked in at least 20 minutes before the start of the race. There is NO Registration on the day.
  
  06h45: Race Check In Opens
  07h15: Race Check In Closes for all distances
  07h30: 15km Race Starts
  07h35: 10km Race Starts
  07h40: 5km Race Starts
  07h42: 3km Race Starts
  09h30: Cut off time for all races
  
  Prize Giving
  08h15: 3km & 5km
  08h45: 10km & 15km
  
  There is no bag drop!
  
  1st, 2nd & 3rd overall winners, in each distance receive a trophy and voucher.
  1st , 2nd & 3rd in age category, in each distance receive a medal.
  Overall winners are removed from the age category placings, so that the prizes are spread around more.

• What are the Distances & Age groups?

  Age Groups are calculated as per your age on race day. Male and Female categories for all age groups.
  • 15km – male and female – 0 – 29 years | 30 – 39 years | 40 – 49 years | 50 years+
  • 10km – male and female – 0 – 18 years | 19 – 29 years | 30 – 39 years | 40 – 49 years | 50 years+
  • 5km – male and female – 0 – 12 years | 13 – 18 years | 19 – 29 years | 30 – 39 years | 40 – 49 years | 50 years+
  • 3km – male and female – 0 – 8 years | 9 – 12 years | 13 – 18 years | 19 years+
  
  1st, 2nd & 3rd overall winners, in each distance receive a trophy and voucher.
  
  1st , 2nd & 3rd in age category, in each distance receive a medal.
  
  Overall winners are removed from the age category placings, so that the prizes are spread around more.

• What should I do with my Race Bib?

  Bibs must be worn on your upper body with the number facing outward.
  Once finished racing, hand your race bib in at the T Shirt stand and collect your free shirt.
  Safety pins will be provided in and around the Race Check In area or bring your own race belt.
  Race belts will be on sale on the morning of the race.

• What should I do with my Timing Chip?

  Timing chips are attached to the back of your race bib.
  Ensure your bib has 1 timing chip stuck to the back and if not, please see Super Sports staff on the day to issue you with a new bib.
  DO NOT REMOVE THE CHIP FROM THE BIB. IF YOU RUN WITH NO BIB – YOU WILL RECEIVE NO TIME AND NO RESULT!

• How easy/difficult is the course?

  A challenging and fun course for all abilities comprising of sand tracks, compact gravel, grass polo fields and interlock roads.

• What are the support stations and where are they placed?

  3 x Water Stations on the course as well as other refreshments at the finish line.

• When is the Shirt Collection?

  Once finished racing, hand your race bib in at the T-Shirt stand and collect your free shirt.

• Are there any Family Discounts available?

  Family discounts are available for families of 3 or more wanting to enter this event and are ONLY for parents and THEIR children and is offered by Super Sports to make it more economically viable for the whole family to participate. To avail of the family discount, please email [email protected], so that the family discount code can be given to you.

• How do I change distance?

  Sign into your account. Go to the event on the home page. Click on Manage Registration. Click on Change category. Change to a different distance.

• Where can I find the Race Results?

  Please scan the QR codes in the Race Village to view your result once you have finished running. Full results will be on the Super Sports website as soon as possible at SuperSportsUAE.com – top right-hand corner – Race Results.

• Where can I find the Race Photos?

  Photos can be found on your results page by clicking on the CAMERA icon and then doing a bib or selfie search. Photos will be available 6 hours after the race has finished. Individual photos are not included in the race fee nor guaranteed.

• Any additional information participants should know about?

  All information regarding the Race - Race Briefing, Race Course, etc can be found in the Event Downloads section of this Race (on the right side of this page), so ensure you have a clear understanding of the rules and regulations as well as what the course will look like / entail.

• Why have I not received any race emails from the event organizer?

  Race emails are sent during the week of the event. Make sure to register with the correct email ID so that you receive these emails.
  
  Please note company email ID’s are often blocked by the company service provider. If you do not receive these emails, please check your spam, junk or promotions folder and mark us as ‘not spam’ to ensure that you receive future race information emails from us. If you still have any trouble with this, please contact us on [email protected].
  
  If more than one athlete is registered using the same email ID, only one email will be sent, as the server only recognizes the email ID once.
  
  1st race email will be sent on the Monday, before the event, at 2pm.
  2nd race email with race number & all race info will be sent on the Friday, before the event, before 5pm.
  3rd race email with race results and photo links will be sent on the Sunday - race day, before 8pm.

• Refunds/Cancellations

  Once entries close or the event is sold out, no refunds are possible for whatever reason which includes and is not limited to: change in personal circumstances, sickness, travel restrictions, or any circumstances which may prevent you from participating in the event.
  Unclaimed run packs including shirt, medal and snack will be forfeited in full after the start of a respective distance.