Sheikh Hamdan leads the charge at Dubai Run 2022

Dubai Crown Prince was one of thousands of runners taking part in the annual event

Sheikh Hamdan leads Dubai Run 2022 which took place on Sheikh Zayed Road. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Participants of Dubai Run 2022 throng Sheikh Zayed Road. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National unless otherwise specified

Two participants display the UAE flag during Dubai Run 2022 on Sheikh Zayed Road

The event is a key component of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, an initiative spearheaded by Sheikh Hamdan

Runners, joggers, wheelchair-users and walkers participate in the event

The run is part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge's mission to encourage people in the UAE to become more active

Dubai Run 2022 was the event's fourth year

Sheikh Zayed Road, one of the busiest roads in the emirate, was closed to drivers in both directions as its 14 lanes were taken over by a throng of fitness enthusiasts

Runners took part in one of the two routes – 5km and 10km

Both the 5km and 10km routes gave participants a once-a-year chance to run along Sheikh Zayed Road

The Dubai Run is open to everyone irrespective of age and fitness abilities

The routes along the Dubai Run is closed to motorists during the event, as participants throng Sheikh Zayed Road

The 5km route started near the Museum of the Future. It then passed Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera and ended near The Dubai Mall

The 10km route followed Sheikh Zayed Road to the Dubai Water Canal, then returned towards World Trade Centre before ending on Al Mustaqbal Street near the Dubai International Financial Centre

Participants proudly display the UAE flag during Dubai Run 2022

The event brings together people from all backgrounds and nationalities

Participants arrive by Dubai Metro, alongside the Museum of the Future, to participate in Dubai Run 2022

Participants exit Dubai Metro early in the morning while arriving for Dubai Run 2022

The Dubai Metro was open from 3.30am, providing the easiest way to travel to and from the event

The Joyalukkas team all geared up for Dubai Run 2022

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, was one of thousands of participants who took part in Sunday morning's Dubai Run 2022.

Sheikh Hamdan, who was seen interacting with fellow runners before the start, led the race with a group of friends. The event is a key component of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, an initiative led by the Crown Prince.

"As Dubai Fitness Challenge approaches its final week, it is inspiring to see the commitment of so many of our citizens, residents and visitors to their health and wellbeing," Sheikh Hamdan said. "Running alongside over 193,000 people who completed the Dubai Run today, I was moved by the strength of our community and seeing what we can achieve when we work together.”

A total of 193,000 people took to the roads between 6.30am and 10am, for the fourth year of what has become one of the world's biggest free fun runs. Last year, more than 146,000 runners, joggers, wheelchair-users and walkers participated in the event, which is open to people of all abilities and fitness levels, as part of Dubai Fitness Challenge's mission to encourage people to become more active.

Sheikh Zayed Road, one of the busiest roads in the emirate, was closed to drivers in both directions as its 14 lanes were taken over by a throng of fitness enthusiasts.

The 10km route followed Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Canal, before turning towards World Trade Centre and ending on Al Mustaqbal Street near the Dubai International Financial Centre. The 5km route began near the Museum of the Future. It then passed Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera and ended near The Dubai Mall.

“By turning out in such huge numbers for Dubai Run, we have shown the world that this is one of the greatest cities for living, working and visiting; a city with an unassailable spirit and ability to achieve," said Sheikh Hamdan. "I’m immensely proud of each and every individual, government entity, business and organisation that took part today, and in the Dubai Fitness Challenge."

It has been two weeks since Dubai Ride closed the same sections of Sheikh Zayed Road, when thousands of cyclists pedalled through the city.