KT Photo: Shihab/Nasreen
Thousands of people gathered on the emirate’s iconic Sheikh Zayed Road to take part in the Dubai Run on Sunday, November 24, with no barriers of age or ability.
It was the first time for Amardeep Monteiro, an Indian expat living with polio, to take part in the Dubai Run, and he couldn’t have been happier. “I haven’t been here in years because I felt like I needed to run, but I heard you can walk, too,” she said, using a walking aid to get around. “I’m really enjoying it and I love the energy.”
Get the latest news. Follow KT on our WhatsApp channel.
KT Photo: Nasreen
She has lived in the UAE for more than 35 years and said this run gave her a glimmer of hope. “While there is so much war and destruction around the world, seeing thousands of people running side by side like one big family here on Sheikh Zayed Road fills me with hope and happiness. ” she said. “I want to come back next year with my family.”
Spearheaded by Dubai’s Crown Prince, the drive began just after 6:30 a.m., with police vehicles including a Cyber Tesla truck leading the way to ensure safety.
KT Photo: Shihab
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, instead walked on foot to join the crowds that filled the streets. It became a part. The usual line of cars.
Wearing a full-sleeve shirt and blue registration number 003, Fazza, as he is commonly known, will join a large number of runners wearing the green jersey this year, making Dubai one. This was proven once again. One of the most suitable cities in the world.
It was the second time for Jean, a Filipino expatriate, and her 5-year-old son, Calem, to participate in the run. Karem, who has been in a wheelchair since birth, was enjoying himself. “He loved the energy last year,” Gene said. “There were so many other determined kids running. It felt like we were building our own community.”
The two, who were staying in the Hudaybah area, walked for more than 45 minutes to get to the starting line. “It didn’t make sense to get in the car and look for parking,” she says. “So we decided to just walk. It was a great experience.”
Mr Siddique, who lives in Abu Dhabi, and his family drove into Dubai on Saturday night, parked their car at a relative’s house and attended the event. “I got to the starting line at 5 a.m. after just one hour of sleep,” he said. “This is one of my must-do events for my family. The atmosphere and energy is something else entirely.”
The free run marked the end of the 30-day Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), which turned the city into an open gym. This year, the event has become more colorful with skydivers, paragliders and aircraft performing acrobatic stunts in the sky. Police officers on horseback were part of a large security team, clearing roads and assisting runners.
One person who was excited about the horses was two-year-old Kabir Hemani, who came to run with his family. “His father told him a fantasy story about horses running on Sheikh Zayed Road, and now that he has seen horses here, he thinks it’s true,” said his mother. Zahra laughed.
Kabir Hemani. KT Photo: Nasreen
Subway service began as early as 3 a.m. to ensure runners reached the starting line on time. Hana Taha, 61, said the train was crowded. The British expatriate drove from Dubai Hills to Jumeirah Lake Towers to pick up his daughter Nadia, and the two got on the metro and drove off. “When I got on the ride around 5:30 a.m., it was very crowded,” she said. “But it was more convenient than coming here by car. I’m really glad the subway started so early.”
It was her first time participating in a run. “The energy and atmosphere is really something else,” she said. “We will definitely be back next year,” said Nadia, who said DFC is her favorite month of the year. “I love that fitness is more accessible,” she said. “Now is the best time.”
Another newbie was little Ellie. Parents of 1-year-old children and their first-time participants also participated. “She loves being outdoors, so we wanted to give her this experience,” said her mother, Chin. “She stops every few meters to look at something or wave to someone. She really enjoys it.”
Ellie and Chin. KT Photo: Nasreen
Participants were able to choose between two scenic routes. One is a 5km downtown course, perfect for families, beginners and casual runners, and the other is a more challenging 10km course along Sheikh Zayed Road.
Both courses started near the Museum of the Future, but the 5km route passed by landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera, and ended at Souq Al, near the Dubai Mall on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. It ended with Bahar. Meanwhile, the 10km route would stretch along Sheikh Zayed Road, cross the Dubai Canal Bridge and turn around towards the DIFC Gate Building.
June and I hate it. KT Photo: Nasreen
For some, running was a platform to express their culture. June, a Filipino expatriate, was running with her 13-year-old niece Iya, wearing a salakot hat. “My father is a farmer and a fisherman,” she said. “This hat belongs to him, and I’ve been running with it for the past three years in honor of him and everything he does.” They were together because it was a bonding time. He said he enjoyed running.
KT Photo: Shihab
KT Photo: Shihab
Also read:
Nasreen Abdullah
Nasreen Abdullah is a special correspondent covering food, technology and human relations topics. When she’s not working on deadlines, you can find her on the Jiu-Jitsu mat perfecting submissions.
