How do I enter the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon?

Registration opens in mid-April on the official race website and fills on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no lottery. Entries cost $150 USD and must be purchased online. Transfers are not permitted.

Is the Dubai Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, the course is a certified Boston qualifier. The flat, out-and-back layout makes it one of the better courses to run a qualifying time on.

What is the course like?

The course is an out-and-back along Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Road. It is almost completely flat with virtually no elevation change, making it one of the fastest marathon courses in the world.

What is the typical race-day weather in Dubai?

Late January and early February is the coolest time of year in Dubai. Mornings at the gun are mild, but temperatures climb as the sun rises, so the second half of the race will feel warmer. Plan accordingly and hydrate early.

How do I get to the race start?

The race starts near Umm Suqeim. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is about 25-30 minutes away by taxi or metro. Staying in the Jumeirah area puts you closest to the start line.

Sun, Jan 31 · 2027DubaiSince 1998

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon

Run along Dubai's coastline on one of the flattest marathon courses anywhere, where the conditions and the course combine to make genuinely fast times possible.

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STANDARD CHARTERED DUBAI · AE

Standard Chartered Dubai

SUN, JAN 31

2027

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Race Overview

EST. 1998

Dubai is a race people go to with a goal time in mind, and the course is built for it. You start near Umm Suqeim and run south along the coast on Jumeirah Beach Road, then turn around and come back. That's it. No hills, essentially no elevation change at all, and wide roads. The first half feels easy, because it is easy. That's exactly why you need to be disciplined. Don't go out chasing the conditions.

The race runs in late January or early February, which is the coolest window Dubai has to offer. It's not cold, but it's manageable. Mornings start mild and warm as the sun comes up, so the back half of the race is always a little warmer than the first. Hydrate from mile one. The course is a legitimate Boston qualifier and has seen some genuinely fast times over the years. Registration opens in mid-April and fills on a first-come, first-served basis, no lottery, so set a reminder when the window opens. If you're coming for a PR, this is one of the better setups you'll find.

Field size

—

BQ rate

—

Boston qualifier

Time limit

6:00

Tight cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:03:34

Getaneh Molla

2019

Women

2:16:07

Tigist Ketema

2024

The Course

0 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑0 ft

Total descent

↓0 ft

Net elevation

↑0 ft

Highest point

13 ft

Lowest point

-1 ft

Course shape

Out and back

Same route, both directions

This out-and-back course is about as flat as a marathon gets, with a highest point barely above sea level and negligible elevation change throughout. There are no climbs to manage and no long descents to abuse your quads. Pacing implications are simple: the course won't slow you down, so you will. Go out conservatively in the first half, because the return leg in rising morning temperatures is where races unravel. Wind can be a factor on exposed coastal stretches. The surface is road throughout. For runners targeting a time goal, this profile is as cooperative as it gets, but discipline in the early miles is still the deciding factor.

DIFFICULTYFLATPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE

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Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

57°F

High

75°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

January in Dubai means a cool start that feels almost ideal, but don't get comfortable. The morning warms steadily, and by the time you're in the back half of the race the sun is up and the temperature has climbed noticeably. Humidity is usually manageable, but the combination of heat and sun exposure on the return leg catches runners who went out too hard. Hydrate from mile one, not just when you feel like you need it.

Entry

OPEN

Registration available online only on first-come, first-served basis via official website. Entries cost $150 USD for marathon. No lottery system. No transfers allowed.

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Frequently Asked

6 questions

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