If the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon inspired you to take up running, then take a look at these 17 events, for all ages and fitness levels, to try over the coming months.
January
• 23 and 30th iTrainSaturdays
A fun community run or walk each Saturday through the parklands at Yas Gateway Park North, Abu Dhabi.
8am, free, www.facebook.com/gulfmultisport
Difficulty: Easy
• 29 Electric Run
Run or walk through illuminated “fantasy” zones around Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, and enjoy a dance party at the end.
5pm, Dh250, www.electricrun.ae
Difficulty: Easy
• 29 Nathan Wadi Racer
This pre-sunrise cross-country race covers 10km, 20km or 30km, starting and finishing at Wadi Showka, near Hatta.
5am, Dh275, www.urbanultra.com
Difficulty: Moderate
• 30 Vertical Run Almas Tower
There’s Dh10,000 to be won by being the first male or female to climb 64 floors, or 1,600 steps, up Dubai’s tallest business tower, in Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
2pm, Dh130, www.premieronline.com.
Difficulty: Hard
February
• 3 Bloomberg Square Mile Relay
This corporate team challenge in DIFC, Dubai, is 1.6km – up staircases, along corridors and through buildings – to win Dh30,000 for charity.
7pm, Dh5,000 per team of 10 runners, www.squaremilerelay.com/dubai.
Difficulty: Easy
• 5-6 Salomon Wadi Bih Run
This one is not for the faint-hearted. Teams cover 50km or 72km, while solo runners choose from 30km, 50km or 72km, across stunning yet challenging terrain near Dibba, Oman.
4.30am, Dh300 solo, Dh1,500 teams, www.premieronline.com
Difficulty: Hard
• 6 Junior X-Country Run
Also Feb 19.
A cross-country run starting at Rashid Boys School, Dubai, with distances from 1km to 3km for boys and girls ages 6 to 18, with an emphasis on participation, rather than competition.
8am, Dh55, www.premieronline.com
Difficulty: Easy
• 19 Sharbatly Fruit Big Stinker
Run 5km, 12km, 24km or 45km up and over a 540-metre-high mountain in Ras Al Khaimah. Junior and adult categories.
7am, Dh100 junior, Dh275 adults, www.urbanultra.com
Difficulty: Hard
• 20 M1 Run 2016
Race from the valet parking area at Dubai’s Media One hotel up to the 42nd floor for a chance to win Dh10,000 in prizes. Categories for teams and individuals.
10am, Dh99 individuals, Dh399 teams, www.premieronline.com
Difficulty: Moderate
• 26 Sharjah Ladies' Run
This “neon night run” over 5km or 10km, starting at Sharjah University, is open to girls and women ages 15 and older. It ends with a Zumba party.
6pm, Dh100 5km, Dh160 10km,
[ www.slc.ae ]
Difficulty: Moderate
March
• 4 Urban Ultra Hajar 50 & 100
This Ras Al Khaimah trail run covers 50km or 100km through the mountains and across dunes.
8am, Dh600 50km, Dh850 100km, www.urbanultra.com
Difficulty: Hard
• 5 Go Sport/Asics Run series
Also Apr 23.
This is a good event for families, covering 4km, 8km or 12km on private roads at The Track golf club at Meydan, Dubai.
7am, Dh100 juniors, Dh150 adults, www.supersportsdubai.com
Difficulty: Easy
• 11 ADCB Zayed Sports City
5 & 10K Run
Raise money for charity while running round Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi.
6.45am, Dh120 up to 16 years, Dh180 17 years and above,
Difficulty: Easy
• 11 Hatta Hills Running Festival
Head to Hatta for a social or competitive cross-country run over 3km, 5km, 10km or 21km, followed by a buffet breakfast.
7am, free 3km, Dh100 junior, Dh150 5km, Dh150 10km, Dh175 21km, www.supersportsdubai.com
Difficulty: Hard
• 12 The Color Run
The “happiest 5k on the planet” returns to Yas Marina Circuit for a colour-filled fun run.
Dh140, www.thecolorrun.ae
Difficulty: Easy
• 19 Zayed Marathon 5K & 10K Run
Compete for cash prizes while running 5km or 10km around Yas Marina Circuit. Children can compete in distances of 1km and 3km.
2pm, Dh50 children, Dh100 adults, www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Difficulty: Moderate
April
• 1 Dubai Holding Vertical Marathon
Race up 1,334 steps at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, to raise money for obesity research.
8am, Dh250 for teams or individuals, www.premieronline.com
Difficulty: Hard