Dubai Fitness Challenge returns with a jam-packed schedule
Keep fit with fitness fun across the city…
Lace up those sneakers, the Dubai Fitness Challenge returns this weekend. Taking place from Saturday, October 28 to November 26, 2023, it’s a 30 day challenge to get you doing at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
Now in its 7th edition, the Dubai Fitness Challenge has one aim: to transform Dubai into one of the world’s most active cities. You can register for your interest here to receive all the updates and fitness events taking place around the city.
Here’s everything you need to know about Dubai Fitness Challenge 2023.
The fitness villages
Arguably the most iconic Dubai Fitness Challenge is the DP World Kite Beach Fitness Village. Open from 8am to 1pm and 3pm to 10pm on weekdays, and from 7am to 10pm on weekends, it’s an action-packed emporium of 24 different activities and zones. Get inspired with talks and sessions on the Go Well Main Stage, entertain the little ones at the Children’s Zone, or combat sports lovers can step into the ring at the Sun & Sand Sports (SSS) Boxing Ring.
There’s two more fitness villages: an all-new RTA Mushrif Park Cycle Centre, perfect for cycling fans, with 136 guided group bike rides across mountain bike trails, road track, and thrilling pump tracks taking place throughout DFC. For convenience, free bikes will be provided for each session based on availability.
Another new fitness village this year is Run and Ride Central at One Central. Open daily from 7am to 10pm, there will be over 400 hours of sessions hosted by the likes of adidas, Asics, Meraas, Sun & Sand Sport and SIRO.
Iconic events
November 12: Dubai Ride
The annual Dubai Ride 2023 has become one of the city’s most beloved challenges. Free to enter, this year there’s two cycling routes: a 4km family-friendly route through Downtown, and the 12pm Sheikh Zayed Road cycle. This year, riders can choose between five starting gates: Museum of the Future, Satwa, Coca-Cola Arena, Business Bay or Lower Financial Street. It’s free to enter, but you must register.
November 26: Dubai Run
This immensely popular challenge takes runners through the heart of Dubai, with its world-famous landmarks as their backdrop. The route, which only opens once a year as Sheikh Zayed Road closes to traffic, includes the iconic Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, and Burj Khalifa. It’s an epic opportunity to experience the city like never before. Choose between two routes: 5km or 10km, both starting near the Museum of the Future. Register for free to be one of the 200,000 runners that hits the road this year.
New for 2023
November 5: Dubai South Run
The new Dubai South Run kicks off from the Dubai South HQ Building with a flat and fast course that travels through the neighbourhood. Runners can choose between a 3km and single-lap 5km loop or double it for 10km. Finishers will receive medals, certificates, race timings, photographs and some tasty after-event snacks in the event village. The race starts at 4.30pm.
November 18: Dubai Stand-Up Paddle
For the first time, Dubai Fitness Challenge hosts a mass stand up paddle session in the beautiful surroundings of the Hatta Dam. The sessions are designed for complete beginners through to seasoned paddlers with a series of 45-minute classes and exercises. Adults can enter a training session at 2pm, or sign up for the DFC SUP Challenge event at 5pm where paddlers navigate a short course through the Dam. There’s also a special sunset yoga practice at 5.15pm. It’s free to take part, but be sure to register first.
Mushrif Park Rides
Another exciting new initiative this year is the RTA Mushrif Park Cycling Centre’s Fitness Village, which welcomes cycling enthusiasts to take part in a range of biking activities throughout DFC. Choose between the guided mountain bike trail rides, either along a beginner-friendly 5km trail or a more challenging 15km route, or sign up for Mushrif Park’s road track rides, which feature a 12km cycle around the park. There’s also a daily pump track for younger cyclists aged five to 11 years.
dubaifitnesschallenge.com/rta-mushrif-park-cycling-centre
Dates for your diary
Other must-try events will include the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon on October 29; a first-of-its kind Palm Jumeirah Run on November 4 – offer a 1km, 5km and 10km route as well as a half marathon – around the crescent; and the Dubai Women’s Run on November 5, with 3km, 5km and 10km routes taking you past a string of scenic Dubai backdrops. November 12 will see adidas and Les Mills team up for a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest high-intensity interval training class on Sheikh Zayed Road. Also on November 12, Krispy Kreme is bringing a Doughnut Run to the city, where after every 1km loop you’ll be rewarded with a doughnut. Complete 10km, much your way through 10 doughnuts. On November 18, iconic Aura Skypool will provide the backdrop to a triathlon set to take the sport – literally – to new heights, with a 3km row on the rowing machine, a 3km pedal on a stationary bike, and a concluding lap of the infinity pool across 250 metres.
Community fitness hubs
A total of 26 community fitness hubs will be dotted across the city for the 30×30 challenge, bringing free, daily activities to residents.
Find them at: Hatta Wadi Hub, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai Design District (D3), Zabeel Ladies Club, Dubai Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dragon Mall, Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), Dubai Hills Mall, Inspiratus Sports District (ISD), Dubai Festival City, The Beach, Champ’s Fitness Hub, Danube Sports World, Dubai Marina Mall, City Walk, Bluewaters, Palm West Beach, DXB Bike, Dubai Island Beach, Golden Mile Galleria, Ripe Fit at Ripe Market, U By Emaar x VEO, Sustainability City and Emirates Equestrian Centre
For more information, visit dubaifitnesschallenge.com
Images: Dubai Fitness Challenge