DUBAI MARATHON
1595€ KiRun Smart Package
The flattest marathon on the planet: a sea-level course along the Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim coast, with the Burj Al Arab in the background, which makes it one of the fastest in the world. In January temperatures are mild and the roads wide and perfect. Alongside the marathon there are a 10K and a 4K: ideal for combining a race with a few days of winter sun.
The Mercure Al Barsha Hotel in Dubai is a modern and comfortable property located in the Al Barsha district. This 4-star hotel offers a convenient location close to Dubai's main points of interest, such as the Mall of the Emirates and the famous Burj Khalifa. The hotel rooms are elegant and well-appointed, providing a cosy environment for rest and relaxation. They are equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, minibar and room service.
Marathon bib 150€ - 10k bib 85€ - 4k bib 25€
49€ - covers travel cancellation for accident and illness up to the day of departure.
Includes transfers to and from Dubai airport, assistance, 4 nights bed and breakfast. Breakfast box for the morning of the race. Excursion Dubai Modern (ticket to climb Burj Khalifa not included).
There are several possible excursions that can be booked, including a 4x4 in the desert with BBQ dinner (optional + 75€).
A sea-level course and one of the flattest you will ever run: the route follows the coast through Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim, on wide, well-surfaced roads, with the Burj Al Arab in the background and the modern skyline framing the miles. Elevation is practically absent, the straights are long and the turns are few, which makes it a genuinely fast day out. January air is mild: around 15-18 degrees in the early hours, rising to roughly 22-25 by midday, with rain a rarity and noticeable humidity near the water. Coach's tip: hold a steady rhythm on those endless straights, where it is easy to lose your sense of pace, and drink at every station.
Thursday: arrival in Dubai, included airport transfer and check-in at the Mercure Al Barsha, with the KiRun desk in the hotel for your first questions. Friday: bib collection with our staff, who go with you and explain the logistics, plus the Modern Dubai excursion included in the package (the Burj Khalifa ticket is not included). Saturday: easy shake-out run with the KiRun coach, free time, and the pre-race briefing at the desk, covering kit, pacing and hydration in January conditions. Sunday: breakfast box, walk-up to the start area with the KiRun staff, race, then the KiRun meeting point at the finish for photos and stories. Monday: breakfast, included airport transfer and flight home, or an extra night in the sun.
Dubai is reached by air from Italy: depending on your departure airport you will find direct flights or a single connection. Transfers to and from Dubai airport are included in the package, so someone meets you on arrival and takes you to the hotel, and the same applies on the way back. The Mercure Al Barsha sits in the Al Barsha district, close to the Mall of the Emirates and to the red line of the metro, which links Downtown and the Burj Khalifa, the coastal districts and the airport. Around town you will rely on the metro and on taxis, which are plentiful: distances are long, so do not count on walking alone.
Are bibs available? Yes, bibs are currently open for every distance: 150€ for the marathon, 85€ for the 10K, 25€ for the 4K, added to the package price. What does the 1595€ KiRun Smart Package include? Four nights bed and breakfast at the Mercure Al Barsha, transfers to and from Dubai airport, KiRun assistance, a breakfast box on race morning and the Modern Dubai excursion. Can I bring a non-running companion? Of course, with the companion rate without a bib: just ask us for the price. What if I get injured before travelling? The 49€ insurance covers trip cancellation for injury and illness up to the day of departure. When do I pay? When you book we tell you the deposit and the balance deadline.
