Run UAE

February marks the start of prime running season and here are plenty of options to choose from, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned ultrarunner

01 M1 Run

Distance: 33 floors

Even the most seasoned runners can find sprinting up and down staircases more of a challenge than their usual terrain, and this annual run is a great way to test your stamina for steeper altitudes. The vertical run can be raced individually or in relay teams, where you’ll start at the entrance of Media One hotel, run up the steep ramps of the car park, before entering the building, and racing up 33 flights of stairs. Phew.

February 16

Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, 9am, Dhs103.95. Tel [phone]. mediaonehotel.com

02 Urban-Ultra Hajar

Distance: 30K, 50K or 100K

One for serious runners, this new multiterrain ultra-trail is the only single-stage 50K and 100K trail run in the UAE. It will take you through mountain ravines, past boulders, and over the sand dunes of Ras al Khaimah. There are three distance options available: 30K (with a cut-off time of 5.5 hours), 50K (with a 12-hour cut-off ), and 100K (with a 24-hour cut-off limit). Participants can spare their tired legs a hurried drive home afterwards by taking advantage of the Khatt Springs Golden Tulip Hotel’s discount for the first 25 participants to book a room.

February 15

Golden Tulip Khatt Springs, Ras Al Khaimah, Dhs630 (30K and 50K options), Dhs890 (100K). urbanultra.com

03 RAK Half Marathon

Distance: 21K