In addition to hosting one of the fastest marathons in the world, Dubai has amazing beaches, restaurants and attractions for visitors.
The Dubai Marathon on January 12 is an ideal target for runners aiming for a PB, but the city is also a great destination for tourists.
Its linear layout makes it easy to navigate as the airport is minutes from key areas such as Dubai Creek, Downtown and the Marina.
You can enjoy award-winning restaurants, sparkling beaches like the white sands of Kite Beach and the luxury of Dubai’s Heritage District, and with amazing water slides and theme parks, there’s everything you need to relax before or after the marathon.
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As for the run, the course records are 2:03:34 by Getene Molla and 2:16:07 by Tigist Ketema, making it one of the fastest marathons in the world.In fact, the average of top 10 men’s performances in Dubai is 2 :04:02, surpassed only by Berlin, Valencia, London, Tokyo and Chicago.
Dubai’s top 10 women’s times average 2:18:36, beaten only by Chicago, London, Tokyo, Valencia and Berlin.
Last year’s race was won by Addisu Gobena of Ethiopia in 2:05:01 and Ketema in a women’s course record of 2:16:0.
The Gold Label race was launched in 1998 and really put itself firmly on the world marathon map in 2008 when Haile Gebrselassie won in 2:04:53 before returning to successfully defend his title in 2009 and 2010.
Then, in 2012, Ayele Abshero won his marathon debut in 2:04:23 to lead four men in the sub-2:05 range, an unprecedented feat at the time and long before super-shoes became popular.
Past winners include Tamirat Tola, who won in 2:04:11 in 2017 before winning the world marathon title in 2022 and the Olympic crown in 2024.
Furthermore, Dubai was the first marathon in history where five men broke 2:05 in the same race, the first to see seven men run under 2:05 in the same race; and the first to have three women in the same race in 2:20.
Fast times and famous winners aside, the course sees you run past, among other things, the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel, one of the few 7-star rated hotels in the world.
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