Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, will lead the way as thousands step out in force for the return of the Dubai Run on Friday.
Sheikh Hamdan is urging the public to lace up their running shoes and hit the road for a showpiece event aimed at seasoned racers and newcomers alike.
He shared an Instagram story with his 12.7 million followers to promote the festival of fitness – and called on all to "join me".
Sheikh Zayed Road will again be transformed into a running track for the morning as one of the highlights of the annual Dubai Fitness Challenge flies out of the starting blocks.
Last year's event took a socially distanced detour because of the Covid-19 pandemic, with runners negotiating several routes in an effort to avoid overcrowding.
But all eyes will be on Sheikh Zayed Road once more as the busy Dubai stretch is cleared of cars and filled with huge crowds of runners in pursuit of a good time.
All ages and abilities can take part
Registrations are open for the Dubai Run, which is split into a family-friendly 5-kilometre route and a more challenging 10km for recreational and professional runners.
The start line is near the spectacular Museum of the Future and the scenic route will take in sights such as Emirates Towers, Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa before finishing up at Al Mustaqbal Street near Dubai World Trade Centre.
Dubai Run was first held in 2019 and attracted thousands of entrants to its first two events.
“Dubai Run has become a signature event in the Dubai Fitness Challenge annual calendar of events. Following the great success last year with tens of thousands of participants, we anticipate even greater attendance this year, from sport and fitness enthusiasts of all ages, nationalities and capabilities, as well as professional and amateur runners," said Saeed Hareb, secretary general of Dubai Sports Council.
"We look forward to transforming Sheikh Zayed Road into a giant running track and bringing Dubai one step closer to becoming one of the most active cities in the world.
"Dubai Run is the epitome of what Dubai represents, a melting pot of different cultures and people, who come together in harmony to enjoy the quality of life that the city has to offer and take advantage of the multiple events and activities that allow them to lead healthier and more active lifestyles, during Dubai Fitness Challenge and all year round.”
The run starts from 6.30am. For more information on the event and how to register, visit www.dubairun.com
39 pictures to mark Sheikh Hamdan's birthday
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Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, stands on top of the Burj Khalifa. AFP -
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan on the London Underground. Photo: Instagram / Faz3 -
Sheikh Hamdan with his baby boy, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan, at the Godolphin Stables in England. Photo: Instagram / Faz3 -
On top of Ain Dubai, when Dubai's newest attraction opened in October 2021. Photo: Screengrab -
Sheikh Hamdan's selfie at the Expo 2020 Dubai site, posted on his Instagram account. Photo: Instagram / Faz3 -
Cycling around the Expo 2020 site. Photo: Instagram / Faz3 -
Enjoying a close encounter with some giant sharks. Photo: Instagram / Faz3 -
Taking a selfie before joining participants at the Dubai Run in November 2019. Photo: Instagram / Faz3 -
Sheikh Hamdan is seen inside the flying taxi of the future. Reuters -
Chinese film legend Jackie Chan met Sheikh Hamdan during his visit to the Emirates. Instagram -
Sheikh Hamdan declares Expo 2020 Dubai open. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Taking part in a Spartan Race. Photo: Instagram / Faz3 -
He is a regular traveller, seen here in Pisa, Italy. Photo: Instagram / Faz3 -
Sheikh Hamdan in Uzbekistan, a place he says has a 'special place' in his heart. Photo: Instagram / Faz3 -
On the Skydeck in Chicago. Photo: Instagram / Faz3 -
Braving the cold in Canada in January 2018. Photo: Instagram / Faz3 -
On a cycling tour in Estonia: the Crown Prince often makes trips to places that are off the beaten track. Instagram / Faz3 -
With a teetering rock sculpture in Norway, back in 2014. Instagram / Faz3 -
Exploring the glaciers of New Zealand, a country he called 'beautiful' back in May 2015. Instagram / Faz3 -
Wearing a traditional kimono in Japan. Instagram / Faz3 -
By a waterfall on one of the Faroe Islands, which are 18 rocky, volcanic islands between Iceland and Norway. Instagram / Faz3 -
A classic Paris shot. Instagram / Faz3 -
In one of his favourite places, Uzbekistan, back in 2015. Spot his dad, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, making his signature gesture in the background. Instagram / Faz3 -
Cycling in San Francisco in 2015. Instagram / Faz3 -
Taking a snap with a young Tanzanian back in March 2016. Instagram / Faz3 -
Sheikh Hamdan is a huge fan of cycling, having been behind many cycling initiatives in Dubai, and he's definitely showing support for the activity here. Instagram / Faz3 -
With the famous Uncle Saeed in Amsterdam in 2016. Instagram / Faz3 -
Here he is spearfishing, one of his favourite pastimes. Instagram / Faz3 -
On the road in Algeria. Instagram / Faz3 -
A breathtaking photo of the Crown Prince in Yosemite National Park in the US. Instagram / Faz3 -
At the World Equestrian Games in North Carolina in 2020. Instagram / Faz3 -
In the clouds, with an amazing view on show in Canada in January 2016. Instagram / Faz3 -
Against a cloudy landscape, also likely to be from his trip to Canada. Instagram / Faz3 -
On Umrah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in June 2018. Instagram / Faz3 -
Here's a throwback Thursday to when he was at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK. Instagram / Faz3 -
Out for a walk in the Big Apple. Instagram / Faz3 -
The Crown Prince looking out over New York. Instagram / Faz3 -
At the airport in Algeria with his father and brother. Instagram / Faz3 -
The Crown Prince hiking in Scotland during summer this year. Instagram / Faz3
