The Dubai Marathon is launching its 25th edition with limited regulatory changes, including modifications to the race course and start times, and the adoption of a new finish line at the Dubai Police Academy parade ground. This is part of the 'Silver Jubilee' celebration, while maintaining its reputation as one of the fastest and flattest marathon courses in the world. The marathon races will be held on February 1st on a wide and fast course that will give runners a different experience this year with a distinctive finish inside the Dubai Police Academy's stands. This will enhance public interaction and add a special celebratory dimension to the finish line. The Dubai Marathon is the first race in the region to receive a gold label from World Athletics, which has helped cement its global reputation and make it a fixed stop for elite international runners. The Silver Jubilee edition is expected to see the largest elite participation in the race's history, amid the massive preparations being made by the organizing committee and relevant authorities in Dubai. The changes also include bringing forward the race start time, with elite runners starting at 5:45 AM, 30 minutes earlier than the 2025 edition, while the rest of the participants will start at 6:30 AM. The times for the 10-kilometer and four-kilometer races will be announced later. The event director, Peter Connerton, said in press statements: 'We have worked in coordination with the Dubai Police, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Sports Council to create a course that meets the evolving regulatory requirements while maintaining Dubai Marathon's fast identity.' He added: 'The parade ground at the Dubai Police Academy is a qualitative addition, as it will include the main grandstand for spectators, the family marathon village, exhibitor booths, in addition to accompanying entertainment events'. The technical changes to the course also include adding new turns at Dubai Media City, as well as adopting two loops for the marathon, with a turn around the Burj Al Arab.
