New year, new you? It’s time to get in training for these two massive fitness events in the UAE.
Ultramarathon
Looking for the ultimate fitness test for 2021? This one will test you – and is for experienced runners only. Al Marmoom Ultramarathon is taking place on Friday March 5, 2021, in Dubai’s Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and it’s run over a whopping 50km. The race will require endurance, courage and determination and will test runners to the limit. You’ll need to be fully trained and ready for it if you want to take part, but if you’re more of a casual runner, or are taking it up as a New Year’s resolution, then there are shorter 10km and 5km races too. All three races will take runners into the desert and across both hard and soft sand, plus across the rolling dunes – so get ready for some spectacular scenery while you run. The desert reserve is also home to more than 200 species of native birds and more than 150 species of migratory birds. There’s also 10km of lakes and it’s a protected area.
Races cost Dhs405 for the 50km, Dhs205 for the 10km and Dhs155 for the 5km.
Fri Mar 5, 2021. www.ultramarathon.ae.
TriYas Challenge
Pushing swimming, cycling and running to the max, TriYas Challenge will make a comeback in 2021. The intense physical challenge will take place at Yas Marina Circuit on Friday February 12. Now in its 11th year, TriYAS attracts local, regional and international competitors from all ages and abilities to Abu Dhabi as they come together to undertake a gruelling physical test made up of three elements – swimming, cycling and running. There are nine separate categories at this year’s event, including the brand-new duathlon sprint, which involves a 5km run and a 21km bike ride, before concluding with another run, this time over a 2.5km distance. TRIKids also returns for 2021 with two categories, involving a 200-metre swim, 9.9km bike ride and 2.5km run.
Various prices (discounts until Dec 31). Fri Feb 12, Yas Marina Circuit, www.yasmarinacircuit.com.
