• People take part in the Santa fun run at Dubai Festival City. All photo by Chris Whiteoak / The National
    People take part in the Santa fun run at Dubai Festival City. All photo by Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Two young runners get in on the seasonal entertainment
    Two young runners get in on the seasonal entertainment
  • Dubai was decked out in style for the event
    Dubai was decked out in style for the event
  • One entrant took home an early Christmas gift
    One entrant took home an early Christmas gift
  • A sea of Santas were jumping for joy
    A sea of Santas were jumping for joy
  • The Dubai Santa Run kicked off the weekend in fine style
    The Dubai Santa Run kicked off the weekend in fine style
  • Runners competed over distances ranging from 1km to 5km
    Runners competed over distances ranging from 1km to 5km
  • Santa limbers up for the big race
    Santa limbers up for the big race
  • There was 'Claus' for celebration as the finish line was reached
    There was 'Claus' for celebration as the finish line was reached
  • A young runner enjoyed a merry Friday morning
    A young runner enjoyed a merry Friday morning
  • People of all ages enjoyed some Christmas cheer
    People of all ages enjoyed some Christmas cheer
  • Santa took a break from Christmas preparations to enjoy a dash in Dubai
    Santa took a break from Christmas preparations to enjoy a dash in Dubai
  • The team of Santas stretch their limbs ahead of the race
    The team of Santas stretch their limbs ahead of the race
  • A young runner was full of Yuletide glee
    A young runner was full of Yuletide glee
  • One of the entrants in the fun run
    One of the entrants in the fun run
  • The event drew a bumper crowd of entrants
    The event drew a bumper crowd of entrants
  • The Grinch finally embraced the joys of Christmas
    The Grinch finally embraced the joys of Christmas
  • The fun run proved a fun-packed occasion
    The fun run proved a fun-packed occasion
  • A runner attaches their beard before heading to the start line
    A runner attaches their beard before heading to the start line
  • A picture perfect moment for a trio of Santas
    A picture perfect moment for a trio of Santas

UAE

Festive fun at Dubai Festival City for colourful Santa Run

Runners donned their best Christmas attire to take to the start line on Friday

The National

December 11, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Christmas came early as a sea of Santas took over the streets of Dubai for a festive fun run on Friday.

A convoy of residents started the weekend in style by donning their running shoes and slipping on white beards and hats to get in the seasonal spirit at the Dubai Santa Run.

Without the aid of a trusty sleigh or Rudolph and his fellow reindeers, participants of all ages put their best foot forward over distances of 1km, 2.5km and 5km.

Dubai Festival City was the suitably festive host venue for the colourful event, which got under way at 8am.

Plenty of calories were burned off during the event, allowing competitors to stock up for a hearty Christmas dinner this year.

Christmas gifts were dished out in the form of prizes for the best dressed Santa and medals for the leading competitors.

UAE