Sheikh Hamdan leads record 278,000 entrants at Dubai Run 2024 on Sheikh Zayed Road

Runners from all over the country participated in the annual community event

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  Sheikh Zayed Road closed temporarily on the morning of Dubai Run 2024

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  Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed led participants during Dubai Run 2024. Photo: Dubai Media Office

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  Sheikh Hamdan launched Dubai Fitness Challenge in 2017 to encourage residents to get up and move for a healthier lifestyle. Photo: Dubai Media Office

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  Dubai Run 2024 was the sixth edition of the event. Photo: Dubai Media Office

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  UAE residents participate in Dubai Run 2024 on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. All photos: Ahmed Ramzan / The National

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  The famous 14-lane highway transformed into a sports track for the community event.

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  The event saw participants of all fitness levels join in

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  There was a 5km and a 10km route for runners to test themselves

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  The event attracted participants of all ages.

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  The early morning event has become a staple for many in the UAE and attracts runners from around the world.

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  UAE residents participate in Dubai Run 2024

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  Many dressed up for the occasion.

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  All smiles during the Dubai Run 2024

A record-setting 278,000 people took over Sheikh Zayed Road on Sunday morning as part of the sixth annual Dubai Run, led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

The 14-lane motorway was temporarily closed to traffic until 10.30am to allow participants to take part in the event against the backdrop of Dubai's iconic skyline.

This year's event had a twist as paragliders soared above Sheikh Zayed Road, offering a spectacular view to runners below.

Participants had the option to run a 5km or 10km route, with the shorter trail starting near the Museum of the Future, passing Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera and concluding near Dubai Mall.

The 10km run started near the museum but crossed Dubai Canal Bridge before looping along Sheikh Zayed Road and finishing near the DIFC Gate.

Sheikh Hamdan, who regularly participants in what has been hailed as the world's largest fun run, paid tribute to the huge numbers who put their best foot forward to pave the way for a healthier future.

"Dubai Run is a testament to the power of community and the determination of the people of the city to lead healthier and more active lives," Sheikh Hamdan said, in comments shared by Dubai Media Office.

"Today’s event reflects the city’s energy, its relentless pursuit of excellence, and the community’s awareness of the importance of sports and fitness.

"The remarkable response to this event also highlights Dubai’s emergence as one of the world’s most active cities and a global leader in fostering a lifestyle centred on wellbeing.

"We thank everyone who participated in this challenge and contributed to its remarkable success. Together, we are building a healthier, happier, and more connected society while setting an example for future generations."

This year's huge turnout represented a 23 per cent increase on the 226,000 runners who stepped into action last year.

The Dubai Run was first launched in 2017 as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (30x30 challenge) to encourage residents to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

The campaign aims to get people to do 30 minutes of exercise for 30 consecutive days. In support, many venues offer free or subsidised classes and sports sessions, in addition to a packed calendar of community-led fitness activities.