After a break of 1,115 days, the Dubai Marathon will roar back onto the Middle East’s sporting calendar when the 22^nd edition of the region’s oldest long-distance running event gets underway on February 12, 2023.

A hugely popular event on the global sporting scene, the Dubai Marathon is recognised as one of the fastest distance races in international road racing attracting elite athletes from around the world. And with the countdown well underway for the 2023 event, race organisers are looking forward to welcoming runners of all abilities, ages and nationalities for the Marathon and the associated 10km Road Race and 4km Fun Run.

“The feedback from the industry is that competitors are eager to join us on the start line on February 12,” said Peter Connerton, Managing Director of Pace Events, organisers and promoters of the Dubai Marathon. “The world has changed considerably since we last staged the event in the weeks before the global pandemic but the appetite for running and fitness remains healthy.

“Race registrations continue to remain at pre-pandemic level and runners who wish to challenge themselves in one of our three races can still secure a place in the category of their choice by registering through the official website.”

To be staged on a Sunday for the first time in the event’s history following the change in the UAE working week, the Dubai Marathon and its associated races will start and finish around the Burj Al Arab and the Madinat Jumeirah.

With the support of the Dubai Sports Council and the co-operation of numerous Dubai Government departments, the Dubai Marathon has over the years cemented its standing as the city’s number one long distance race for elites and amateurs alike with a reputation for producing record times and personal bests.

“It’s been a very challenging time for the sports events industry, so we’re excited to work closely with the appropriate Dubai Government departments to stage another memorable race,” added Connerton.

“In addition, we’ve been in discussions with a number of major name brands and potential partners as to how we can further develop the event for the benefit of the city and our participants. We hope to be able to announce some exciting new partnerships for the race in the days to come. These are busy times with less than ten weeks to go to the big day on February 12.”

Event organisers will also aim to ensure the Dubai Marathon as an event meets sustainability requirements without compromising its ability to produce its renowned fast times over a professionally measured course marshalled by experienced running industry experts.

Runners looking to make sure of their place at the return of the Dubai Marathon are encouraged to visit the event website – dubaimarathon.org – and sign up for a place on the start line for the full Marathon, the 10km Road Race and the 4km Fun Run.