Dubai Marathon

DubaiUnited Arab Emirates

Next race

Sunday, 17 January 2027

6:30 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Flat · 50 m gain

50 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Dubai Marathon is one of the world's fastest elite marathons, with a tiny elite field chasing world-class times on a dead-flat desert-city course each January. Though finisher numbers are limited compared with mass-participation races, the event draws global attention for its prize money and record-eligible route along Dubai's modern highway corridors.

Dubai Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 3,000 finishers

Weather: Mild winter
18–20°C · humidity 60–75%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:03:34 — Getaneh Molla (2019)Women: 2:16:07 — Tigist Ketema (2024)

Course & terrain

Dubai Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Dubai Marathon is a very flat out-and-back starting and finishing on Jumeirah Beach Road, using wide highway corridors with views of the Burj Khalifa and modern skyline. With no meaningful climbs it favors fast times, and spectators gather on the beach road and at cheer stations along the route.

Dubai Marathon route map

Registration

Dubai Marathon entry requirements

The Dubai Marathon focuses on an elite international field chasing fast times and prize money. Mass-participation fields are much smaller than major city marathons. Check https://www.dubaimarathon.org/ for current entry categories.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dubai Marathon elevation profile?: The Dubai Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
Where can I find the Dubai Marathon route map?: This page includes a Dubai Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. The out-and-back route follows flat highway corridors through the city with views of the Burj Khalifa and modern Dubai skyline.
How long is the Dubai Marathon?: The Dubai Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes on Jumeirah Beach Road near the Dubai coastline.
Is the Dubai Marathon flat?: Yes. The Dubai Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing over 42.195 km (26.2 miles) — less than 55 metres of gain — which suits runners chasing personal bests or Boston qualifying times.
What time does the Dubai Marathon start?: The 2027 Dubai Marathon starts at 6:30 am local time on Sunday, 17 January 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Is the Dubai Marathon an elite-only race?: The Dubai Marathon focuses on an elite international field chasing fast times and prize money. Mass-participation fields are much smaller than major city marathons.
Why is Dubai considered a fast marathon course?: The dead-flat highway course, cool January mornings, and professional pacing make Dubai one of the world's fastest marathon routes. Multiple course records have been set here.
Where does the Dubai Marathon start?: The race starts on Jumeirah Beach Road with an out-and-back on Dubai's flat coastal highway corridors.
When is the Dubai Marathon?: The Dubai Marathon is held in late January. Cool desert-morning temperatures favour fast running.
What weather should elite runners expect in Dubai in January?: January mornings in Dubai are cool by local standards, often 12–18 °C (54–64 °F), warming later. Humidity is lower than summer months.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Dubai.

Abu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates· 115 km away

Abu Dhabi Marathon

The Abu Dhabi Marathon is a world-class elite event launched in 2018, attracting top international runners and a few thousand finishers on a fast desert-city course. The route passes the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque approach, the Corniche waterfront, and Yas Island connectors. December cool mornings and dead-flat terrain make it a record-eligible race in the UAE capital.

Next race: Saturday, 5 December 2026

DohaQatar· 381 km away

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The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo draws approximately 2,500 finishers each January on an urban road in Doha, Qatar. Winter timing is essential here because it turns Gulf heat into manageable marathon weather. The route passes the Corniche, skyline districts, and long smooth boulevards beside Doha Bay. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Friday, 15 January 2027

RiyadhSaudi Arabia· 872 km away

Riyadh Marathon

Riyadh's multi-distance marathon festival, based at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. The official 2026 routes include a 42.195 km marathon, half marathon, 10 km and 5 km; the longer races use northern Riyadh roads and the shorter races stay on university roads. The 2027 date remains to be announced.

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Next race: Sunday, 29 November 2026

SuratGujaratIndia· 1,841 km away

Surat Marathon

The Surat Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each February on an urban road in Surat, India. Its flat terrain makes it one of western India's more forgiving full marathons. The route passes Tapi River approaches, textile-city districts, and long level sections through the fast-growing metropolis. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

VadodaraGujaratIndia· 1,847 km away

Vadodara Marathon

The Vadodara Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each February on an urban road in Vadodara, India. It is one of India's more established charity-linked city marathons. The course passes palace-city roads, civic parks, and broad Gujarat boulevards. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

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