Burj2Burj Half Marathon set for Dubai return with 13,700 participants and elite stars
International participation exceeds 30 percent of total entries
DUBAI – Dubai is set to host one of the region’s biggest road running events tomorrow morning as the Burj2Burj Half Marathon returns with a record field of 13,700 runners.
The 21km race will begin at 6:30am, bringing together elite international athletes and amateur participants on a landmark city course. Organised by World’s Iconic and supported by the Dubai Sports Council, the event has quickly established itself as a major fixture on the global road running calendar.
More than 13,700 male and female runners from the UAE and overseas are registered to compete over the 21km course. The scale of participation places the race among the largest half marathons in the Middle East, with a steadily rising share of international entrants each year.
Burj2Burj Half Marathon
The race starts at Emirates Towers and finishes at Jumeirah Gardens, guiding runners past some of Dubai’s best known landmarks, including the Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. The urban course blends competitive racing conditions with a high visibility city backdrop, drawing strong roadside support and spectator turnout.
Issa Sharif, Director of Sports Events at the Dubai Sports Council, said Dubai continues to reinforce its standing as a global destination for major sporting competitions through events of this scale.
He said races such as Burj2Burj reflect the emirate’s long term commitment to sport, healthy living and delivering world class experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Although the race is only in its third edition, organisers report sharp growth in participation. Entries increased by more than 170 per cent between the first and second editions, followed by a further 50 per cent rise for the third. International runners now account for more than 30 per cent of the field, highlighting the race’s expanding global reach.
Sharif noted that the presence of elite competitors from Africa, Europe and other regions has helped secure the event’s place on the international road running circuit. He also pointed to coordinated public and private sector planning in operations, runner services and safety management.
Key supporting entities include Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority. Joint operational plans cover medical support, hydration stations, route control and security measures along the full course.
2026 elite line-up
The 2026 elite line-up features major names in global distance running. Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, two time Olympic gold medallist in the 5,000m and 10,000m and a three time world champion over 10km, leads the men’s field with a half marathon personal best of 59:21.
He is joined by Alphonce Simbu, the 2025 World Marathon Champion and Boston Marathon runner up, along with Germany’s Richard Ringer, the 2022 European champion, setting up a highly competitive contest at the front.
In the women’s race, Kenya’s Irene Cheptai, world cross country champion and bronze medallist at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, headlines the entries. She is accompanied by Kenya’s Jacqueline Cherono, winner of the 2025 Rotterdam Marathon, and Britain’s Alexandra Bell, a two time European cross country champion and Olympic finalist.
Prize money
Prize money will be distributed across multiple categories, with the top ten elite finishers in both men’s and women’s races earning cash rewards. First place carries a Dh40,000 award, followed by Dh20,000 for second and Dh16,000 for third, with payments extending through tenth position.
Additional bonuses are set for any athlete breaking the 60 minute mark, alongside dedicated prizes for Emirati runners and various age group divisions, adding further competitive layers to the race day programme.