Runners take over the city for the Dubai Run challenge - in pictures

Rather than one set route, this year's challenge saw people choose their own tracks across Dubai

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Dubai was transformed into a running track on Friday morning, as hundreds of people laced up their trainers and took to the streets as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

The Dubai Run event challenged runners to put their best foot forward for the free race, which this year looked a little different.

In previous years, up to 7,000 runners have taken part in the event which is usually held on Sheikh Zayed Road, however, this year, there were various routes across the city in order to prevent overcrowding.

The event was open to all ages, ability and fitness levels, with participants able to choose their own track in any community or neighbourhood, as well as their pace, distance, and whether they want to run solo or with buddies (groups have to be restricted to a maximum of five).

In the build-up to the event, Dubai Fitness Challenge launched 28-day training programme curated by professional coaches and athletes such as Manal Rostom, Luke Mathews, Lee Ryan and Luke Gaffney.

Scroll through the gallery above to see pictures from this year’s Dubai Run challenge

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