During the summer period, Dubai residents are increasingly using shopping malls for running, turning it into a popular routine. These events, known as 'mallathons,' have become a way for many UAE residents to spend time together, and for some, a daily family ritual.
Family Traditions and Participation
An Emirati father, Abdullah, runs a 'mallathon' daily with his sons Ahmed (8 years old) and Falak (6 years old). He told Khaleej Times that they visit either Dubai Mall or Dubai Hills Mall. One lap on the marked route in the mall is 1.5 km. 'We do two laps together, and then we go for breakfast. It's a very fun way to get the kids out of the house in the summer. For us, it has become a daily habit, and we love it.'
The Dubai Mallathon initiative resumed its second season this year, starting on June 15. If the event lasted for a month last year, this year it has been extended to three months and will conclude on September 15. The event takes place in six shopping centers across the city and is accessible to everyone without prior registration. All participants are given wristbands, and free water is regularly provided along the entire running route. Runners can choose from the following locations: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Festival City, City Center Deira, and City Center Mirdif.
Scale and Development of the Event
The first 'Mallathon' in 2025 attracted over 40,000 participants and set a Guinness World Record for the largest indoor running event, with 1,392 runners participating at Dubai Hills Mall in a single race. Based on this success, the second season was expanded to three months and includes professional race days every Saturday. Registration for these races is mandatory and is conducted free of charge on the website. Additionally, participating stores offer special discounts during 'mallathon' hours.
Growing Public Interest
Coach Dennis, who has been collaborating with Dubai Mallathon since last year, noted a significant increase in public participation this year. He emphasized that while last year's campaign lasted only one month and received a good response, extending the campaign to three months led to an outstanding level of participation. 'So many people come exactly at 6 am, and many come every day.'
Hessa and Laila's friends try to participate in the 'mallathon' at least twice a week. Coach Dennis set them the goal of completing one lap around Dubai Mall at a pace of four minutes per kilometer, although Hessa jokingly noted that they are trying to slow down to six minutes per kilometer because Coach Dennis is very demanding. Laila added that they have been doing this since last year, and for them, it has become a kind of 'therapeutic walk' in the summer, which later turned into part of their training process. She also liked that the event was extended to three months.
Benefits for Summer Fitness
For runner Muhammad Anshah, the 'mallathon' has become a way to maintain his routine throughout the long summer months. Previously, he used to run shortly after Fajr to avoid the heat but couldn't stick to it for long due to the high temperatures. After trying the treadmill, he hated it. When the 'mallathon' concept appeared last year, he tried it and fell in love. This year, he exercises three times a week and considers it the best way to stay fit in the summer. His goal for the upcoming weekend is to run a half marathon of 21 km. Among all the malls he has visited this year, his favorite is Dubai Hills Mall. Last weekend, when he came at 7 am, music was playing there, and he saw families with children. He praised Dubai for coming up with another way to make fitness fun and accessible to everyone.
