Steer clear of these areas: A half-marathon is coming to DIFC on Friday

The first City Half Marathon will take place in Dubai’s DIFC this October…

The second edition of Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is taking place in DIFC this Friday, October 23. All of the distances – 5km, 10km and 21 km – are now sold out, but if you’re not taking part, it’s good to know the areas to avoid on the day, in the early morning.

The half-marathon, which kicks off from 6am, will be the first mass running event to take place in Dubai since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 400 runners from 40 countries around the world are expected to take part.

Understandably, there will be a huge focus on the safety of all runners, in line with government restrictions. Due to COVID-19 mitigation plans, spectators are not encouraged to attend the event.

A map of the race route has been revealed by Mai Dubai City Half Marathon organisers. 

The half-marathon will start in front of The Gate Building then it will loop around DIFC, giving runners the chance to take in the breathtaking sights of the Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future.

The 21km race starts at 6am, the 10km will begin at 6.10am and the 5km will kick off at 6.20am. Whilst the event has been organized in support of Dubai Police and RTA, roads must be reopened in line with timings, so those completing the 21km race must do so within 2hours and 45 min.

Steven Matthijs of Promoseven Sports Marketing, the organisers of the race, said: “The safety of runners, staff and contractors is our top priority and we are working closely with relevant partners and Government bodies, including the Dubai Sports Council and Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, as well as taking best practice from similar events held around the world to ensure that all necessary procedures are in place.”

City Half Marathon, DIFC, Dubai, 6am onwards, Friday October 23. Find out more information here. 

Images: Supplied / Facebook