The 25th edition of the Dubai Marathon is set to see strong participation from Ethiopian and Kenyan female runners, with the organizing committee confirming the participation of 50 athletes from the two countries, including 40 women in the elite main race. The event, scheduled for February 1, is expected to be highly competitive.A press release from the organizing committee stated that the committee has intensified preparations for a comprehensive review of the race course, start and finish areas, and all organizational and security aspects, with only 40 days left until the start, ensuring the highest safety standards for participants and spectators.The 2026 edition will be held on Umm Suqeim Street, passing by several of Dubai's landmarks, most notably the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah City, and Jumeirah Beach Road, offering participants a unique sporting and tourism experience.The release also indicated that expectations suggest the number of participants may exceed 30,000 runners across the three races: the elite main race over 42.195 kilometers, the 10-kilometer mass race, and the 4-kilometer family race, with high chances of a record participation of local runners, led by 200 participants from His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan's Endurance Team.The Dubai Marathon holds a Gold Label certification from World Athletics, acknowledging its high professional standards. Since its inception, it has attracted the world's elite runners and cemented its place among the top 10 marathons globally.The 25th edition of the Dubai International Marathon enjoys broad support from Dubai's government entities, led by the Dubai Sports Council, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, and the Department of Economy and Tourism. The Dubai Police Academy will host the finish line, while Dubai Electricity and Water Authority will give special attention to the marathon.In the same vein, Dubai Metro and Dubai Taxi are on standby to contribute to the event's success and facilitate the arrival and departure of the large number of participants and spectators.The release also noted that the marathon's impact is not limited to the sporting aspect, as it also plays an active role in enhancing Dubai's position as a global destination for sports tourism and supports economic activity, especially in the hospitality and services sectors during race week.
