Dubai once again demonstrated its growing stature on the international sports stage as the Burj2Burj Half Marathon returned, bringing together more than 13,700 runners from across the UAE and around the world. The event took place on February 8, 2026, marking the third edition of a race that has rapidly become one of the city’s most anticipated road-running fixtures.
Organised by World’s Iconic with the support of the Dubai Sports Council, the half marathon combined elite athletic competition with mass participation, transforming central Dubai into a vibrant corridor of sport, fitness and community engagement.
A Landmark Course Through the Heart of Dubai
The 21-kilometre race route offered runners a rare opportunity to experience Dubai’s urban landscape on foot, beginning at Emirates Towers and concluding at Jumeirah Gardens. Along the way, participants passed some of the city’s most recognisable global icons, including the Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab.
This carefully designed course not only challenged athletes but also showcased Dubai’s architectural identity, blending modern design with open road racing. The route’s visual appeal attracted spectators throughout the morning, creating a festival-like atmosphere that extended well beyond the runners themselves.
Strengthening Dubai’s Global Sports Calendar
Officials from the Dubai Sports Council highlighted the Burj2Burj Half Marathon as part of the city’s broader strategy to establish itself as a global hub for international sporting events. Issa Sharif, Director of Sports Events at the council, emphasised that Dubai continues to invest in initiatives that promote active lifestyles while delivering world-class sporting experiences.
Events such as Burj2Burj reflect Dubai’s long-term commitment to health, wellness and sports tourism. By hosting races that appeal to both professional athletes and recreational runners, the city reinforces its reputation as a destination where sport and lifestyle intersect seamlessly.
Rapid Growth in Just Three Editions
Despite being held for only the third time, the Burj2Burj Half Marathon has experienced remarkable growth. Participation numbers rose by more than 170 percent between the inaugural and second editions, followed by an additional 50 percent increase in the third edition held in 2026.
More than 30 percent of this year’s runners travelled from outside the UAE, underlining the event’s expanding international appeal. Athletes from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas joined local runners, reflecting Dubai’s ability to attract a diverse and global sporting audience.
Elite Athletes Elevate Competitive Standards
The presence of internationally recognised elite athletes further strengthened the race’s position on the global road-running calendar. Leading the men’s field was Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, a two-time Olympic gold medallist in the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres and a three-time world champion over 10 kilometres. Cheptegei entered the race with a half marathon personal best of 59:21, setting high expectations for competition standards.
Joining him were Alphonce Simbu, the 2025 World Marathon Champion and Boston Marathon runner-up, and Germany’s Richard Ringer, the 2022 European marathon champion. Their participation added depth and prestige to the men’s elite category, drawing international attention to the event.
Strong Women’s Field Highlights Global Depth
The women’s race was equally competitive, featuring a strong international line-up led by Kenya’s Irene Cheptai. She was joined by fellow Kenyan Jacqueline Cherono and Britain’s Alexandra Bell, creating a closely matched field that showcased depth across continents.
Their presence reflected the organisers’ focus on building balanced elite participation, ensuring that the Burj2Burj Half Marathon remains attractive to top athletes in both men’s and women’s divisions.
Collaboration Behind a World-Class Event
Delivering an event of this scale required extensive collaboration between public and private sector partners. From race operations and athlete safety to logistics and crowd management, the Burj2Burj Half Marathon demonstrated how coordinated planning can support large-scale sporting events in a dense urban environment.
Medical teams, volunteers and technical officials were positioned along the route to ensure runner welfare, while advanced timing and tracking systems provided accurate results for elite competitors and recreational participants alike.
Promoting Fitness and Community Engagement
Beyond elite competition, the Burj2Burj Half Marathon played a significant role in promoting fitness and community participation. Runners of all ages and experience levels took part, many using the race as a personal milestone or a motivation to maintain active lifestyles.
The inclusive nature of the event reinforced Dubai’s commitment to public health and wellness, encouraging residents and visitors to engage in physical activity within a supportive and inspiring environment.
Boosting Sports Tourism and City Branding
Major international races like Burj2Burj contribute directly to Dubai’s sports tourism sector. Visiting runners and their families extended their stays to explore the city, benefiting hospitality, retail and entertainment industries.
The global visibility generated by the race also enhanced Dubai’s city branding, positioning it as a destination capable of hosting internationally recognised sporting events while offering unique cultural and architectural experiences.
Looking Ahead to Future Editions
With participation numbers continuing to rise and elite interest growing, the Burj2Burj Half Marathon is expected to expand further in the coming years. Organisers aim to build on the success of the 2026 edition by enhancing runner experience, attracting more international athletes and strengthening community involvement.
As Dubai continues to invest in sport as a pillar of urban life, events like Burj2Burj stand as clear examples of how athletic excellence, inclusivity and global appeal can come together on a single race day.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram
Read Next – Dubai Sets 2026–28 Strategy to Enhance Rule of Law Framework
