From the Ras Al Khaimah Triathlon to Dubai’s Desert Warrior Challenge: 10 races to get you up and running in 2020

As the new year is just around the corner, here are the top races to look forward to

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon Chris Whiteoak / The National

It may be late to sign up for the last big event on this year's race calendar – the Ajman half-marathon – which takes place on Friday, but there many more runs, marathon and fitness events to focus on next year. 

Friday, January 10 Ajman Duathlon

Show off your sporting prowess with the Ajman duathlon held in Al Zorah, which is open to all fitness abilities. There's the sprint distance (27.5 kilometres) as well as an alternate super-sprint distance (15km) that is also open for juniors. Three winners from every race will be celebrated, so there are plenty of prizes and medals to be won.

7.30am; Dh95; Al Zorah, Ajman; www.hopasports.com

Saturday, January 11 Urban-Ultra Big Stinker

It's all about the climb with the Urban-Ultra Big Stinker, which will have participants run up and over a mountain in Ras Al Khaimah. Choose between the 15km, 30km and 45km ultra distance. With the event scheduled to start at 7am, runners are encouraged to make a weekend out of it by camping out on the night of Thursday, January 9, on top of the mountain.

7am; Dh288; Golden Tulip Khatt Springs Resort & Spa, Ras Al Khaimah; www.urbanultra.com 

Friday, January 17Ras Al Khaimah Triathlon

This is the newest destination triathlon on the UAE race calendar, organised by Super Sports Events in association with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority on Al Marjan Island. There are several options for every fitness level, namely, the Olympic, Sprint, Super Sprint and Junior Super Sprint. Swim, cycle and run while enjoying amazing views of the island. If you like, you can also enter this one as a relay team of two or three athletes. 

8am; from Dh150; DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, 
www.supersportsuae.com 

Friday, January 24 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 

The 21st Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is for both seasoned athletes who want to take a crack at the 42km run and those who are looking to try the more manageable 4km or 10km distances, all of which promise a view of some of Dubai's landmarks. Even if you're not in the mood for a run, head down to enjoy a festival ambience, healthy snacks and more. The 42km run starts at 6am, while the 10km Road Run starts at 8.30am and the 4km Fun Run begins at 10.30am.

10.30am; from $50 (Dh184); Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai; www.dubaimarathon.org 

Thursday, January 30 The Mile Relay at the Pointe

Head on down to one of Dubai's coolest new hangouts for a sporting event that will help you bond with your mates. The Mile Relay will have teams of three to five people of all age groups competing in male, female or mixed categories. The route covers about 8km, with each member having to run at least 1.6km of the course. Plenty of prizes are up for grabs, including a voucher worth Dh20,000 for the winning school in the School Championships category. 

4.30pm; from Dh230; The Pointe, Dubai; www.premieronline.com 

Friday, January 31 Sharjah SC Run by Al Shaab Village

The second season of the popular University City Run Series will take place next month, presented by the Sharjah Sports Council and Al Shaab Village. The event will be held at Sharjah University City and features 2.5km, 5km and 10km runs. It's a fun-filled community run on private roads over a traffic-­free route, and is a great way to get out and about.

7am from Dh40; Sharjah University City, Sharjah; www.hopasports.com

Friday, February 7 Sharaf Exchange Road Run Series

Sharaf Exchange Road Run's opening race of the new season is a community sporting event open to all. With 1km, 3km, 5km and 10km runs, it's ideal for various age groups and can even be a fun family or corporate event. The races will be held at the tracks at Meydan and, after crossing the finish line, you'll be treated to breakfast at Qube Sports Bar in Meydan Hotel.

7am; Dh73; Track Golf Clubhouse, Meydan, Dubai; www.premieronline.com 

Friday, February 12 Bloomberg Square Mile Relay

Bond with your colleagues in this corporate race that invites companies to compete for the title of "fastest in the city". Ten employees from a company need to run a 1.6km relay race, starting and finishing at the Gate Building in Dubai International Financial Centre. With $20,000 being donated to the Extra Mile charity programme, this is also for a good cause.

5pm; Dh6,100 per team; Gate Building, DIFC, Dubai; www.squaremilerelay.com 

Friday, February 14 Dubai’s Desert Warrior Challenge

Dubai’s Desert Warrior Challenge sets challenging tasks.

Get ready for an action-packed day with the home-grown Desert Warrior Challenge obstacle course at Al Qudra. The 2020 challenge will feature many popular hurdles as well as some surprises. Whether you opt for the Fearless Warrior Course (5km with 12 obstacles) or the Ultimate Warrior Course (10km with 22 obstacles), an eventful time will be had. There's also a ­Junior Warrior course.

7am; from $124; Al Qudra, Dubai; www.desertwarriorchallenge.com

Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7 ITU Triathlon Series

For the sixth consecutive year, Abu Dhabi will host the season-­opener of the ITU's World Triathlon Series, with some of the world's best triathletes coming to Yas Island. There will also be age-group races, junior races, a family fun run and dedicated para-triathlete waves – making this one of the most inclusive triathlons in the region.

Various times; from Dh120 for the children’s and junior
duathlon to Dh895 for the Olympic triathlon relay; Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; [e-mail]

Friday, March 13 Ajman Run

One of the biggest running events in Ajman, this one is open to all ages and abilities. There are 2.5km, 5km and 10km courses, all set out on private roads and traffic-free routes. The event is held in association with the Department of Tourism Development and there is usually a good turnout.

7.30am; from Dh40; Al Zorah Marina 1, Ajman; www.hopasports.com