DUBAI—The 2025 Dubai Marathon is underway, marking its 24th edition with elite athletes and thousands of participants taking to the streets of one of the world's most iconic cities. Known for producing some of the fastest marathon times globally, this event has become a fixture in the international running scene.
A Historic Race with Iconic Landmarks
The race route, which passes by Dubai's historic landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab, is expected to feature fierce competition. Ethiopian and Kenyan runners, who have historically dominated the event, are once again the favorites to take home the top spots.
Among the men, Lelisa Desisa is a name to watch. Desisa made his mark with a stunning win in 2013 and has been a key figure in marathon running ever since. He will compete against Dennis Kimetto from Kenya, who holds the record for the fastest marathon time at 2:02:57, set in Berlin.
In the women's category, Tigist Girma, the 2022 Sydney Marathon winner with a personal best of 2:18:52, leads the pack. She will face stiff competition from Zeineba Yimer, the 2023 Barcelona Marathon champion, and Dera Dida, the defending Dubai Marathon champion.
A Race for All
While the elite runners battle for the title, the event also includes thousands of participants in various categories, such as the 10km and 4km fun runs. This inclusivity creates a vibrant atmosphere across the city, with runners of all abilities coming together to celebrate the sport.
This year, a special collaboration with Guinness World Records offers participants a chance to set new records, adding an exciting twist to the event.
Supporting the Marathon
To ensure the smooth running of the event, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has extended the operating hours of the Metro and put in place alternative traffic arrangements. These efforts aim to make sure that participants and spectators can easily reach the marathon’s starting and finishing points.
With the countdown over, the streets of Dubai are now witnessing history in the making. The excitement is palpable as runners from all over the world take to the streets, racing towards glory and personal achievement.
