The prestigious Dubai Marathon prepares to commemorate its 25th anniversary on February 1st, 2026, with significant enhancements to its racing format and course design. This landmark edition will feature a meticulously planned flat route renowned for facilitating record-breaking performances, culminating in a spectacular grandstand finish within the Dubai Police Academy grounds.
Organizers have implemented strategic adjustments to optimize runner experience and competitive integrity. Elite marathon athletes will commence their race at 5:45 AM, followed by the general marathon participants at 6:30 AM—a full 30 minutes earlier than the previous year’s schedule. The popular 10km Road Race and 4km Fun Run start times will be announced subsequently through official channels.
The course architecture represents a collaborative achievement between event management and Dubai’s civic authorities, including the Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Police, RTA, and Dubai Municipality. Key modifications include newly incorporated turns at Dubai Media City, adjustments 280 meters past Mehemal Junction, and a revised two-lap segment near Burj Al Arab instead of the traditional Madinat turn.
Event Director Peter Connerton emphasized the organizational effort: “Through continuous coordination with our civic partners, we’ve engineered a route that balances urban development considerations with athletic excellence. We particularly appreciate Dubai Police’s invitation to utilize their Academy parade grounds for creating an unforgettable finishing spectacle.”
This finishing area will simultaneously host spectator grandstands, the Dubai Marathon Family Village, exhibitor booths, and live entertainment facilities. As the Middle East’s first World Athletics Gold Label race, the event continues to attract top international talent, with expectations set for the largest elite participant field in its history.
The 2026 edition maintains support from leading sponsors including ASICS, MG Motor, Channel 4 Radio Network, ITP Media Group, and infrastructure partners Dubai RTA and Dubai Municipality.