Dubai Marathon today: Timings, route... complete guide

The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2016 returns for its 16th edition this weekend.

This year, 30,000 runners are expected to race to the finish line with a combined prize bounty of $936,000, along with a bonus of $100,000, if a runner breaks a record.

Runners will compete in one of three distances: the 42.195km long marathon, the 10km road and the 4km fun run.

Emirates 24|7 puts together a complete guide to race day for those planning on participating or coming down to cheer people:

Marathon timings and route

The Dubai Marathon will be held on Friday, January 22, with the marathon starting at 6.30am, with an official seven-hour time limit at the finish for the Marathon with police and medical support.

The Marathon Route will start on Umm Suqeim Road, near the Madinat Jumeirah junction and conclude before the Dubai Police Academy, performing its 42.195km run on Friday, January 22.

From the start line, runners will turn left onto Al Sufouh Road, racing past the Dubai College junction, towards The Palm Island Jumeirah, before turning back at The One&Only Mirage Hotel entrance.

The loop will take them back down Al Sufouh from Dubai Media City, heading north towards Jumeirah Beach Road.

Runners will continue past the Burj Al Arab towards the Union Flag, running past it before turning back at the next junction to make the final lap towards Madinat Jumeirah.

The race will conclude approximately 500 metres before the Dubai Police Academy.

Route and timings for the 10km and 4km runs

The 10km Road Race will commence at 9am, while the 4km Fun Run will start at 11am.

The start and the finish of the 10km will also be on the Umm Suqeim Road opposite the Madinat Jumeirah.

The 4km will start on Al Wasl Road, adjacent to the Al Jalila Foundation.

All the finishes will be at the Dubai Police Academy end of Umm Suqeim Road.

Road closures

According to the Standard Chartered Marathon organisers, Jumeirah Beach Road, along with Al Sufouh Road and its parallel road cutting through Knowledge Village and Dubai Internet/Media City will be closed to traffic for the duration of the race, with road signs already put up indicating road closures will be in effect from 5am until 2.30pm.

A part of Umm Suqeim Road, from the Dubai Police Academy until Madinat Jumeriah junction will also be open only to foot traffic.

Meanwhile, a part of Al Wasl Road that intersects will Umm Suqiem Road will also close for the 4km race.

While many roads around the route will close or have limited access from 1am on Friday, there will be phased road openings from 12pm on race day, stated organisers.

How to get there

Participants are being advised not to park on Jumeirah Beach Road, Al Sufouh Road, at Madinat Jumeirah or near Dubai Police Academy area.

There will be extensive road closures in place in these areas.

Organisers have stated there are accessible areas to park along the Al Wasl Road junctions away from the start and finish.

Parking would also be possible in Al Barsha area with access made by crossing from the Dubai Metro Bridge at Mall of the Emirates taking you to the back of the starts walking past the Dubai Police Academy.

There will be a taxi drop-off point before the race and collection point after the race on the Al Wasl Road.

Additional taxis will be available throughout the morning and afternoon.

Viewing areas will be set along the race path for family and friends to come out in support.

Medical assistance

An ambulance and medical station will be available approximately 200 metres after each main drink station on the Marathon route at 5km, 10km, 15km, 20km, 25km, 30km, 35km, 40km and at the finish.

Medics will also be present at every intermediary station.

Information for participants

Run numbers must be collected on Wednesday January 20th from 10am to 7pm and on Thursday 21st from 10am to 5pm.

Race Pack collection location at Meydan is to the left side of The Meydan Hotel main entrance in the Turf Suite on the 4th floor.

Collect your run number in person and provide proof of identity. If you are unable to collect your own run number, you can designate another person to collect on your behalf who must have a printout of the final confirmation letter; they must have proof of their identity in order to do this.

Water Stations will be available every 2.5km from 5km to 40km and at the finish.

For the 10km Road Race, water stations will be available at the 5km point and at the finish.

For the 4km Fun Run, water will be provided at the finish.

Isotonic drinks will be available at 10km, 15km, 20km, 25km, 30km, 35km and at the finish.

Toilets will be available after the following stations on the Marathon route: 5km, 10km, 15km, 20km, 25km, 30km, 35km, 40km and at the finish.

The race will be timed using the ‘MikaTag’ electronic timing system.

Chips/Tags will be attached to the race bib number you will receive in your race pack. Do not remove this tag from your bib number.

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