From a world weightlifting competition to a world-record attempt and a vertical run up 1,334 stairs…

We’re officially a week into the Dubai Fitness Challenge, the month-long initiative that’s encouraging Dubai residents to do 30 minutes of exercise every day for 30 days. Loads of free classes, challenges and activities have sprung up all over the city for you to get involved in, so why not give it a go?

Here are five things that are happening for the Dubai Fitness Challenge this weekend…

Thursday October 24

1. Watch The World’s Ultimate Deadlift competition

The World’s Ultimate Deadlift is coming to Dubai on Thursday, October 24 and whilst you can’t actually get involved in this one, it’s sure to be a blood-pumping spectacle as weightlifting athletes attempt a World Record, deadlifting weights of over 500kg. Phew! The event is organised by the World’s Ultimate Strongman group and will go down at the Meydan Grandstand, with food and entertainment around all day at what promises to be a family-friendly event.

World’s Ultimate Deadlift, Meydan Grandstand, Dubai, 7pm to 10pm, Thursday October 24, Dhs195, children under 12 go free. dubai.platinumlist.net

ALSO READ: Dubai Fitness Challenge to launch new triathlon this November

Friday October 25

2. Take part in a Vertical Race with Dubai Holding

If you want to seriously put your fitness to the test, why not take part in the Dubai Holding SkyRun On Friday, October 25? There’s only 1,334 stairs to run up. That’s 52 floors. Taking place at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, you’ll be running alongside some established international SkyRunning athletes. It’s Dhs250 to take part in the race and all proceeds raised will be donated to the Al Jalila Foundation’s obesity research programme. 

Dubai Holding SkyRun, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, 7am, Friday October 25, Dhs250 entry which is donated to the Al Jalila Foundation for obesity research. dhskyrun.com

3. Do the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon

Keen to take on a marathon but still not quite their with your fitness level? Get yourself signed up to the Mai Dubai City Half marathon, which is taking place on Friday October 25. Runners will set off for the 5km run from the front of The Gate Building in DIFC, then loop around, taking you past epic views of the Burj Khalifa and Emirates Towers.  The run is open to anyone aged 16 and above. It’s Dhs285 for the 21km which starts at 6am, Dhs180 for the 10km, starting at 6.30am and Dhs130 to enter the 5km, taking place at at 6.40am.

City Half Marathon, DIFC, Dubai, 6am onwards, Friday October 25, 5km race Dhs130, 10km race Dhs180, 21km half marathon Dhs285. hopasports.com

4. Try the King and Queen swimming race at The Pointe

Get yourself involved in a massive group swimming race this weekend at The Pointe. Suitable for all ages from 8 onwards, there’s different races for different age groups. There’s a 200m swim for the little ones aged 8 to 11 or a quarter mile distance open to all ages. Anyone aged 12 years and older can do half a mile and anyone 15 years and over can do the full mile. If you win? You’ll earn yourself the title of King or Queen of The Pointe and who doesn’t want that?

King and Queen of The Pointe, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, from 6.30am, Friday October 25, Dhs380. premieronline.com

Saturday October 26

5. Attempt a Guinness World Record with The Body Coach

Fancy being part of a Guinness World Record attempt? You can this Saturday, October 26 as Joe Wicks AKA The Body Coach is in town to beat his own previous world record for the world’s largest group HIIT workout, with a massive 3,084 people taking part back in 2017. All participants will have to do a full 30 minute HIIT workout without stopping. It’s free to attend but you’ll need to sign up via Platinumlist.net.

HIIT 30X30 Skydive Dubai, next to Zero Gravity, Dubai Marina, 7am registration, challenge starts at 8am, Saturday October 26, free, 18+. dubai.platinumlist.net

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