More than 30,000 runners are set to take to the streets of Dubai this weekend as the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon returns for its 20th race.
The race, which is touted as one of the richest in the world, will take place on Friday, January 25, welcoming runners from around the globe.
And with the course being almost completely flat, it's also one of the world's quickest marathons, making it great for spectators, as it's not uncommon for a world record or two to be broken.
If you're running, or planning to head down to cheer participants on, here is everything you need to know.
Race routes
Marathon (42km)
Start time: 6am for wheelchair and elite athletes, 7am for the masses
The 42km route will start on Umm Suqeim Road, opposite Madinat Jumeirah. Runners will then head left along King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, past the entrance to Dubai Media City, before turning around at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi. The route comes back past its start point, onto Jumeirah Beach Road, towards the Dubai Canal - before looping around at Al Mehemal junction and heading back for the madinat. Runners will then complete that loop one more time.
It's then on to the home straight; the runners will turn left at the Madinat Jumeirah junction and head for the finish line in front of the Dubai Police Academy.
10km
Start time: 8.30am
The 10km route starts in the same place, on Umm Suqeim Road, and turns left to head for the One and Only Royal Mirage. There, runners will turn around and head back to the finish line, in front of Dubai Police Academy.
4km
Start time: 10.30am
The start line for the shortest course is on King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, opposite Madinat Jumeirah, and will turn around just before Al Sufouh Park, before heading back to the Dubai Police Academy to finish.
Road closures
There are a number of closures in and around the Umm Suqeim, Al Sufouh and Jumeirah area - with closures in place from midnight on Thursday, until 1pm on Friday afternoon. Expect a number of diversions to be put in place and heavy traffic in the area. Al Wasl Road will remain open while Jumeirah Beach road will be closed.
Where to park
Marathon organisers have advised people not to attempt to park on Jumeirah Beach Road, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Madinat Jumeirah or near the Police Academy area due to road closures and heavy traffic.
Instead, participants and supporters are advised to park along Al Wasl Road, and around its intersections, or at Mall of the Emirates or around the Al Barsha area, where you can then cross the Mall of the Emirates Dubai Metro bridge to get to the start line.
Getting there
There will be a taxi drop-off point before the race and a collection point after the race on Al Wasl Road. Organisers recommend booking a taxi in advance, and arriving at least 90 minutes before the start.
Extra taxis will be available throughout the morning and afternoon.
Where to watch
You can see the marathon from any point of the 42km route, but there are several things to consider before picking your spot.
If you want your cheer to be heard the loudest head for the far end of Jumeirah Beach Road. It's the furthest point from the start and finish lines, so the crowds will inevitably thin out.
If you want to be comfortable with seats and an elevating viewing platform, head straight for the grandstands near the end of the route.
If it's photos you're looking for, try get a spot opposite the Burj Al Arab on Jumeirah Beach Road, or on the beach side of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, with the skyscrapers of Media City in the background.
If you're running
Race pack pick-up: From the Jumeirah Beach Hotel either on Tuesday 22 (2pm to 8pm), Wednesday 23 (9am to 8pm) and Thursday 24 (9am to 5pm).
Race day temperature: Expected to be about 10 to 15 degrees Celsius at 7am.
Race timing: Your "MikaTag" electronic timing chip will be attached to your race bib, so ensure that it stays there.
Baggage facilities: There will be places to leave your belongings, but only at near the start and finish lines. You must use the baggage bag you receive when you collect your race pack, and ensure the sticker with your run number on it, also in your race pack, is stuck on its exterior.
Water stations
- Marathon – Water stations will be provided every 2.5km from 5km to 40km, and at the finish.
- 10km Road Race – Water stations will be provided at the 5km point and at the finish.
- 4km Fun Run – Water will be provided at the finish.
Drink Stations – Isotonic
Marathon – Isotonic drinks will be available at 10km, 15km, 20km, 25km, 30km, 35km and at the finish.
Sponges
Sponges will be provided after the following stations on the marathon route: 5km,10km,15km, 20km, 25km, 30km, 35km and 40km.
Toilets
Toilets will be provided after the following stations on the marathon route: 5km, 10km, 15km, 20km, 25km, 30km, 35km, 40km and at the finish.
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Read more:
Ten things no one told me about the Dubai marathon
[ Meet Nick Butter, the man who's running a record 196 marathons in 196 countries ]
Marcus Smith: the man who ran 30 marathons in 30 days
What it's like to run through Dubai with marathon record-breaker Nick Butter
The road to recovery: a first-hand account of beating chronic fatigue syndrome
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