Ready for the next level? Here’s a look at some mid-level fitness events in the UAE to prepare for.
Talise Sandstorm
Dubai – September 30
Teams of two will climb, crawl, run and jump through a series of challenges on land, sand and sea, starting at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and covering 4km. Teams will be split into three groups: competitive, intermediate and casual. Entry costs Dh490 per team. Register at www.fitnesslink.me/events/618/talise-sandstorm-8
Hilton Dubai Tower Race
Dubai – October 8
Run up 730 stairs to the 36th floor of Hilton Dubai The Walk to raise money for the Rashid Centre for Disabled. The race starts at 7.30am and costs Dh150 to enter. Register at www.premieronline.com.
Zayed Sports City 5km & 10km run
Abu Dhabi – October 14, January 13, March 10
Raise money for charity while completing a 5km or 10km course in and around Zayed Sports City. The popular event caters to all age groups, starting from under-10s. Children up to the age of 16 can enter for Dh120, adult entry costs Dh180. Register at www.premieronline.com.
Urban-Ultra X-Tri 2016
Kalba, Sharjah – November 5
If you're more of a mountain biker than a road racer, this off-road triathlon in Kalba, Sharjah, on the UAE's east coat, is for you. The only one of its kind in the region, the championship distance involves a 1.5km sea swim, 35km mountain bike-ride and 10km trail run, while the sport distance involves a 750m swim, 18.5km bike ride and 5km run. Entry costs Dh400. For information, visit www.urbanultra.com.
Abu Dhabi Striders Half Marathon & 10km
Abu Dhabi – November 18
Starting at Yas Waterworld, this mostly flat course makes its way around Yas Island, taking in Ferrari World, Yas Marina and other island attractions. There are several age categories, including juniors. Starts at 6.30am, entry costs Dh235 for adults and Dh180 for ages 12 to 17. It's a popular event so participants are advised to register early at www.premieronline.com.
Tough Mudder
Dubai – December 9 and 10
Early bird tickets sold out within two weeks, so don't wait to register if this international event is on your must-do list. Participants compete as a team to get through an 8km or 16km mud and obstacle course at Hamdan Sports Complex. There's also a category for juniors, covering 1.5km. Entry costs Dh415 for the 16km event and Dh290 for 8km event. Register at www.toughmudder.ae.
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge
Dubai – December 16
A staple on the UAE fitness calendar, this is the seventh time the event has been held and each year it attracts a new wave of cycling enthusiasts. Ideal for hardcore cyclists as well as amateurs, there is now also a 53km course and a few shorter options for juniors. Starts at 6am, entry costs Dh270 for adults and Dh50 for children. Register at www.cyclechallenge.ae.
Get serious: Build-up rides are on September 2 (35km), October 7 (45km), October 25 (65km) and November 25 (85km) and cost Dh50. More details at www.cyclechallenge.ae.
RAK Half Marathon
Ras Al Khaimah – February 10
This 21.1km run is a popular fitness event on the calendar and entrants are advised to register early to avoid missing out. Next year's event has a new venue and race course, and for those who don't think they can complete 21.1km, there's a relay challenge for teams of four. Starts at 7am, entry costs Dh250. Register at www.premieronline.com.
TriYas
Abu Dhabi – February, date TBC
This day-to-night triathlon in and around Yas Marina has several categories, from a sprint (750m swim, 22km bike ride and 5.5km run) to Olympic distance (1,500m swim, 38km bike ride and 10km run). There is also the option to compete as a team. Pre-registration is open at www.yasmarinacircuit.ae.
Get serious: Haddins Fitness has a programme to train specifically for the triathlon and it is expected to start in early December. For details, search for Haddins Fitness on Facebook.
