Course Map
About this Race
The Dubai Marathon is famous as one of the flattest and fastest courses on earth, a largely out-and-back route along the palm-lined Jumeirah Beach Road in the Emirati city. The pancake-flat profile, smooth wide roads, and historically lavish prize money have made it a magnet for elite record attempts and a paradise for personal-best seekers. Held in January, it offers the coolest window in the desert climate, though warmth can still build in the later miles. There is no climb to speak of, leaving fitness and pacing as the only limits. It suits the dedicated PB chaser who wants a lightning-fast course and is prepared to manage the rising desert sun.
Course Insight
Dubai is famously flat, one of the fastest courses anywhere, a dead-level January run along the coast and the Jumeirah district that has long produced quick times. The total absence of hills means your pacing discipline is the only governor on the open early kilometres. January conditions are warm but manageable, especially with an early start. The long straight stretches reward a metronomic rhythm. Hold back early and the flat course gives back a fast finish.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to very flat.
Course Details
- Course type
- Out-And-Back
- Elevation gain
- 11m
- Elevation loss
- 11m
- Highest point
- 5m
- Lowest point
- 1m
- Net elevation
- 0m
- Start
- Umm Suqeim Road
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:03:34 — Getaneh Molla (Ethiopia), 2019
- Women's
- 2:16:07 — Tigist Ketema (Ethiopia), 2024
Race History
The Dubai Marathon was first staged in 1998, then relaunched under new management with its officially numbered series beginning in 2000. It grew into one of the flattest and fastest courses on earth, run along the palm-lined Jumeirah Beach Road in the Emirati city. Famous for historically lavish prize money and elite record attempts, it became a magnet for fast times in the cool January window. From its founding it drew a deep professional field alongside personal-best seekers. It remains one of the sport's premier destinations for a quick time on a desert-coast course.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Dubai International (DXB), Al Maktoum (DWC), Sharjah (SHJ) & Abu Dhabi (AUH)
- Best area to stay
- Jumeirah by the beach for proximity to the coastal course and resorts, Downtown Dubai for the Burj Khalifa and central stays, and Deira for better-value options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is on Jumeirah Beach Road near Umm Suqeim; take the Metro toward the nearest station then a taxi, or taxi directly, as the Metro doesn't reach the start early.