How to Register for the Dubai Marathon?

Every winter, while the global marathon calendar slows down, a few races take advantage of warmer climates to extend the season. The Dubai Marathon is one of them. Held at the start of the year, it has established itself as one of the fastest marathons in the world. An ultra-flat course, ideal weather, a well-oiled organization, and a strong elite field make it a prime target for both world-class marathoners and amateur runners chasing a personal best. A World Athletics Gold Label event, the Dubai Marathon is also the oldest international marathon in the Middle East. In 2026, the race will celebrate its 25th edition, a symbolic milestone for an event aiming to secure its place among the world’s must-run marathons. But before enjoying the long straight lines of Jumeirah Beach Road, there’s one first challenge: registration.

| Public Registration: Simple and Direct

Unlike many highly sought-after marathons in Europe or the United States, the Dubai Marathon does not operate via a lottery system. Good news: registration is open to everyone, as long as bibs are still available.

Registration usually opens several months in advance, often in spring or summer for the following edition. For the 2026 edition, scheduled for Sunday, February 1, registration opened on April 15 via the official race website.

The process is straightforward:
✔ Online registration on the official Dubai Marathon website
✔ Choose your distance (marathon, 10 km, or 4 km fun run)
✔ Secure payment
✔ Immediate confirmation

There is no minimum qualifying time required and no sub-elite program for amateur marathon runners.

| Dubai Marathon Entry Fees

Running the Dubai Marathon comes at a cost, but the good news is that prices usually do not increase over time.

➜ Marathon: $150
➜ 10 km: $85
➜ 4 km fun run: $50

The entry fee generally includes: the official race bib with timing chip, access to aid stations, a finisher medal, and logistical services (bag drop, security, medical assistance). Full details are available on the official race website.

Good to know:
The marathon time limit is only 6 hours. After that, roads reopen to traffic and runners are asked to continue on the sidewalks. However, volunteers remain at the finish line to welcome all finishers and hand out medals, regardless of final time.
Bib transfers are not allowed, and all registrations are non-refundable.

| Using a Tour Operator: Marathon Meets Travel

For international runners—especially those traveling from Europe—booking through a specialized travel agency can be an attractive option. Some agencies offer marathon packages that include: Guaranteed race bib, Hotel accommodation (often close to the start), Meals, transfers, and on-site assistance.

This is a comfortable, stress-free way to turn the Dubai Marathon into a true sports travel experience. While the budget is higher than purchasing a bib alone, the overall experience can be worth it—especially for a first-time participation. Agencies such as Planet Tours offer all-inclusive solutions.

© Dubai Marathon

© Dubai Marathon

© Dubai Marathon

© Dubai Marathon

| One of the Fastest Marathons in the World

The Dubai Marathon is renowned for its exceptional elite field. Each year, the race attracts athletes capable of running under 2:05, and sometimes well below that mark.

Elite and sub-elite runners must follow a specific application process, including direct contact with the organizer, submission of recent race results, and approval by the race committee.

This level of selectivity explains why Dubai consistently ranks among the world’s fastest marathons. The numbers speak for themselves:
➜ 13 men under 2:05
➜ 9 women under 2:20
among the top 100 marathon times in history, all achieved in Dubai.

Prize money is another major draw: the race offers $80,000 to both the male and female winners, a powerful incentive for attracting the world’s best marathoners, particularly from East Africa.

| A Course Built for Performance

The Dubai Marathon’s appeal lies largely in its exceptional course:
✔ Perfectly flat (only 9 m / 30 ft of elevation gain over 42 km)
✔ Very few turns
✔ Long, wide straight roads
✔ Out-and-back layout ideal for pace control

The start and finish are located on Umm Suqeim Road, directly opposite the iconic Burj Al Arab, with sections along the coastline and Jumeirah Beach. The scenery blends sea views, skyscrapers, and ultra-modern infrastructure.

Weather conditions are ideal: an early start (6:00 a.m. for elites, 7:00 a.m. for the general field), temperatures typically ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54–68°F), and relatively low humidity.

© Dubai Marathon

© Dubai Marathon

© Dubai Marathon

© Dubai Marathon

| Records and International Prestige

The Dubai Marathon has left a lasting mark on marathon history. For many years, it was the most lucrative marathon in the world thanks to its aggressive prize-money policy. In 2008, legend Haile Gebrselassie ran the second-fastest marathon time ever at the time (2:04:53), just 30 seconds shy of his own world record, earning $250,000—while narrowly missing a $1 million world record bonus.

While prize money has since been reduced, the spectacle remains. In 2018, Dubai became the first marathon in history to see seven runners break 2:05 in a single race.

Current course records:
Men: 2:03:34 – Getaneh Molla (2019)
Women: 2:16:07 – Tigist Ketema (2024)

Dubai firmly belongs to the exclusive club of the world’s fastest marathons, alongside Berlin and Chicago.

Whether you’re chasing a personal best, looking for an exotic winter race, or simply aiming to experience a world-class marathon, the Dubai Marathon ticks all the boxes. Plan your registration early and organize your trip carefully—there’s no doubt about it: Dubai is the perfect playground for your next marathon PB.

✔ Find all registration details for the Dubai Marathon

Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist