Dubai Mallathon sets new Guinness World Record for largest mall run
Thousands joined climate-controlled runs across leading shopping centres
DUBAI – The Dubai Mallathon has entered the Guinness World Records after being officially recognised as the “Most Runners in a Mall Run Event.”
The announcement was shared on the initiative’s official Instagram page, celebrating the achievement as a moment of pride for the emirate.
Launched on August 1 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the month-long initiative transformed shopping malls into climate-controlled fitness arenas. From 7am to 10am daily, participating malls opened their doors to residents eager to jog and walk indoors. To accommodate the rising number of participants, several centres even revised their schedules, welcoming fitness enthusiasts as early as 6am.
Organisers expressed gratitude to the community, posting: “YOU did it! One team, one mission. Together, you set a new world record and made our community proud. Dubai is proud of YOU. And today, your pride has been written in history.”
Dubai Mallathon
The Mallathon was designed in line with Dubai’s Year of Community and Quality of Life Strategy, offering residents and visitors over 10 kilometres of designated indoor tracks. A total of nine malls participated, including Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai Marina Mall, The Springs Souk, Dubai Festival City, and Festival Plaza.
These spaces provided safe and air-conditioned tracks for walkers, runners, senior citizens, families and children alike. The initiative also aligned with Dubai’s Social Agenda 33, encouraging wellness in accessible and community-focused environments.
Activities and rewards
Beyond fitness, the Mallathon featured a range of engaging activities. Weekend sports challenges and daily events offered prizes that included more than 40 iPhones, 10 tablets, shopping vouchers, and gift cards. Free health check-ups, nutritional consultations, and healthy food stations were also introduced at select outlets to promote a holistic approach to wellbeing.
Senior citizens benefitted from specialised sessions titled ‘Walking for Better Health,’ while families joined group challenges designed to encourage an inclusive spirit.
Sponsors and partners
The initiative was led by the Dubai Sports Council in partnership with the Ministry of Defence, its main sponsor. Other strategic supporters included RTA, du, Uber, Careem, Mai Dubai, Al Tadawi Specialty Hospital, Dubai Cooperative Society, and several leading mall operators. Uber and Careem offered discounted rides for participants, further boosting access to the events.
Participation in the Dubai Mallathon was free of charge, with online registration granting entrants digital participation cards to access challenges and giveaways.