Dubai Mallathon 2025 concludes with a new world record
Over 40,000 joined the month-long event across nine malls in 31 days
DUBAI – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, the Dubai Mallathon concluded on Sunday across nine shopping centres.
The citywide initiative, which transformed malls into indoor fitness tracks, attracted over 40,000 participants, establishing itself as one of the emirate’s largest community sporting events.
More than 40,000 souls moved with one stride…
— Dubai Mallathon (@DubaiMallathon) September 1, 2025
It wasn’t just running and walking. Your heartbeat is what gave Dubai Mallathon its spirit ????????
From those who joined with passion, to families and friends, from the young to the old, from every ability and nationality!
Each of you… pic.twitter.com/kGYwm4cFn2
Setting Guinness World Record
Launched in early August, the month-long initiative set a Guinness World Record for the most runners in a mall run event, adding to Dubai’s growing list of global achievements. The record was set during the closing event at Dubai Hills Mall, which saw 1,392 participants of various ages and nationalities take part in the race.
The final day also featured a 42-kilometre marathon with 40 runners competing across different categories. Victor Kiprono secured first place, followed by Godfrey Segule in second, and Rio Watson — representing the People of Determination — in third. Winners were honoured with prizes to recognise their achievements and support the development of their sporting talents.
Commending the Dubai Mallathon for setting a Guinness World Record, its strong turnout, and the high level of community engagement, Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said the initiative reflects the leadership’s commitment to embedding sports into daily life and fostering an environment that supports the physical and mental well-being of the community.
“The overwhelming participation of young people, who represented the largest share of participants, reaffirms their pivotal role in the success of community initiatives and their importance in shaping the present and future of our nation. We place great confidence in our youth to uphold community values and champion an active lifestyle in line with the UAE’s long-term vision,” said Dr. Al Neyadi.
He added: “Sport is one of the most powerful platforms through which young people find both inspiration and self-expression. It provides a positive outlet for their energy and a way to strengthen their physical and mental well-being, while reinforcing their active role in society.”
Khalfan Belhoul, Vice President of the Dubai Sports Council, said the world record set by the Dubai Mallathon marks a significant milestone that reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovative initiatives that create a lasting impact on society.
Dubai Mallathon 2025
The Dubai Mallathon concluded after 31 days of remarkable success, drawing more than 40,000 participants of different ages and nationalities. Together, they logged more than 120 million steps on safe, air-conditioned indoor tracks across nine major shopping centres in Dubai.
Beyond the marathon, the initiative included a variety of community races and activities, among them a special women’s race held in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council to mark Emirati Women’s Day.
The programme also saw strong participation from ministries and government entities, including the Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department, the Dubai Future Foundation, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Community Development Authority, and the General Directorate of Dubai Civil Defence.
Youth councils from across the UAE—including Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, as well as the Edge Group Youth Council—also took part in the event, reflecting a nationwide presence that reinforced the initiative’s message of integrating physical activity into daily life.
Where did it take place?
Sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and held in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, the initiative ran daily throughout August across nine shopping centres. These included The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, the Springs Souk, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Festival City Mall, and Festival Plaza. More than 10 kilometres of indoor tracks were made available from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm for the public.
The Mallathon was launched in line with the objectives of the ‘Year of Community’, Dubai Social Agenda 33, and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, which aim to build a healthy and socially cohesive community through initiatives that promote sport as a daily habit and a pillar of quality of life.