Thousands of runners hit the streets of Dubai on Sunday morning to take part in the Middle East's oldest – and one of its fastest – international races.
A series of road closures were in place to allow what was expected to be a record-setting 20,000 competitors to step off the start line in the 25th annual Dubai Marathon.
The event brings together elite athletes and amateur runners and is one of the highlights of the emirate's sporting calendar.
About 4,000 participated in the 42km marathon race, with a further 16,000 putting themselves to the test in both the 10km road race and 4km fun run.
The sporting spectacle is viewed as one of the quickest marathon races in the world because of the flat course route, offering runners an opportunity to set personal best times.
There was double delight for Ethiopia in the elite runners class, when Nibret Melak won the men's race and Anchinalu Dessie took the honours in the women's competition.
Melak was the sixth debut winner in a row at the Dubai Marathon, crossing the finishing line in a time of two hours and 4 minutes.
His compatriot Dessie secured victory in the women's race in a time of two hours, 18 minutes and 31 seconds, winning her third straight marathon in a personal best.
Both winning times are the best recorded in the world this year - dementing the Dubai Marathon's status as a marathon runner's dream.
The marquee marathon race got under way at 5.45am, with the 10km run starting at 8am and the 4km fun run following at 10am.
The main marathon route began at Al Taryam Road near Dubai Police Academy, taking in Al Sufouh, Palm Island, Dubai Media City, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Road, before finishing back at the Police Academy.
Dubai Metro services began three hours earlier than usual on Sunday to accommodate the Dubai Marathon.
Services were up and running from 5am to serve marathon participants and spectators.
Regular Sunday services on the Dubai Metro run from 8am to midnight.
Abu Dhabi runners raise awareness
-
A Run for Hope Guinness World Records title attempt for most nationalities in a cancer awareness run event was staged on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, on February 1. All images: Victor Besa / The National -
Participants celebrate after taking part in A Run for Hope Guinness World Records attempt on Saadiyat Island -
Celebrations after participating in A Run for Hope Guinness World Records attempt on Saadiyat Island -
Drummers brought colour and rhythm to A Run for Hope Guinness World Records attempt on Saadiyat Island -
Participants celebrate after A Run for Hope Guinness World Records attempt on Saadiyat Island. -
Participants celebrate with their medals after A Run for Hope's Abu Dhabi edition on Saadiyat Island -
Participants celebrate after A Run for Hope on Saadiyat Island -
Participants celebrate after A Run for Hope on Saadiyat Island -
Runners of all ages joined A Run for Hope Guinness World Records title attempt for most nationalities in a cancer awareness run event at on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, on February 1 -
Lined up and ready to go on Saadiyat Island: A Run for Hope Guinness World Records title attempt for most nationalities in a cancer awareness run
Runners also got on their mark in Abu Dhabi on Sunday morning to help strike a blow in the fight against cancer and attempt to set a new world record.
The Cancer Run, organised by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, was held at Hudariyat Island to urge members of the public to get regular check-ups and screenings and to raise awareness of the various types of cancers affecting people in the Emirates and around the world.
The event - which was open to men and women - aimed to win a place in the record books for the most nationalities to participate in a cancer awareness run.
