What’s On has a list of the running clubs in Dubai, including Dubai Creek Striders, Nike Running Club, Reebok Run Club, Mirdif Milers, Dubai Road Runners.

More…
– Running tracks
– Ultimate gym comparison
– Outdoor fitness classes
– Dubai Marathon 2014
– Ultra-Marathon runner
– Dubai’s wacky sports
– Dubai Olympic bid
– Top marathon tips

For plenty of runners, time spent pounding the pavements is a chance to de-stress, decompress and be alone with their thoughts. But the benefits of taking a more sociable approach are not to be sniffed at. Just ask John Young, vice chairman of the UAE’s biggest running club, the Dubai Creek Striders. Here, he makes the case for running with the pack….

You’ll make new friends If you’re new to Dubai, or just keen to mix up your social circles, running clubs are a fantastic way to meet like-minded folk to chat with as you clock up those miles.

It keeps you accountable Studies show that buddying up for your workouts ups your chances of following through on your fitness goals. You’ll be a lot less likely to hit the snooze button when you wake up in the morning if you know there’s someone waiting for you to start their morning run.

You’ll get fit Even the most casual runners get a thrill when they make improvements, from shaving a few minutes off a personal best to reaching a new mileage milestone. Many clubs (including Dubai Creek Striders) include track sessions, speed work and long runs to help you reach your goals, whether it be running your first 5km race, or conquering the mighty Dubai marathon in January.

You’ll see Dubai in a new light We miss a lot when we (a) stick to the same neighbourhoods on runs, and (b) only view the city through our car windows. The running routes we follow at Dubai Creek Striders take in sights around the creek that may have escaped your attention, including the souks. DCS meet at 6am every Friday in the car park opposite the Novotel World Trade Centre, and at other locations during the week.

dubaicreekstriders.org

MORE RUNNING CLUBS

NIKE RUNNING CLUB
The newest addition to the running club scene, Nike runners meet three times a week at Burj Park (Friday at 7am), Palm Jumeirah (Sunday at 7pm) and DIFC Gate Building (Tuesday 7pm). Runners can also incorporate training into their fitness program with the Nike+ Training Club App (N+TC), where members can choose four-week programs or one-off workouts.

facebook.com/NikeRunningMiddleEast

MIRDIF MILERS
Calling themselves “possibly the most unique running club in Dubai”, the Milers run three times a week at Mushrif, Mizhar and Khawaneej Vets. They also organise the annual Donut 10 Miler in Mushrif Park.

mirdifmilers.info

REEBOK RUN CLUB
The group running programme followed by Urban Energy Fitness, this club organises various sessions (from intervals to beginners’ runs) all over the city, including Safa Park and Barsha Park.

urbanenergyfitness.com

DUBAI ROAD RUNNERS
The oldest of the running clubs operating in Dubai, DRR is a family-oriented group that gets together four times a week in Al Barsha Park, Safa Park plus the Meadows.

dubairoadrunners.com