Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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.
The next Dubai Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 24 January 2027 with a 6:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
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.
The Dubai Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
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.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Dubai.
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
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: Sunday, 3 January 2027
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