There’s nothing like a race or fitness challenge to keep you working out and motivated and here are six UAE races that will challenge you as the weather cools and people get outside.
Ignite Pink is Punk Paddle
Known for its swims and runs, this will be the first IGNITE Pink is Punk Paddle and it is being held around Riva Beach on the calm waters of Palm Jumeirah. This standup paddleboarding (SUP) event is open to people of all abilities, from beginner to experienced. And if you don’t have your own paddle board, for a low price you can rent one from the IGNITE team. There are juniors and teens categories, and 4.5 kilometer paddles for the adults. Al Jalila Foundation is the charity beneficiary for the event and the Ignite Group will donate 100 per cent of the Dh100,000 they are aiming to raise to Brest Friends.
Dubai. October 11. Registration from Dh63 to Dh158; Register for races from Riva Beach from 7am.
Hilton Dubai Tower Race
Anyone for some stairs? For those who love participating in a bit of self-cruelty, the Hilton Dubai in Jumeirah Beach Residences plays host to this annual uphill event. Each participant will attempt to scale 36 floors and 730 steps of pain on the path to glory, but don’t worry – you can go as slow or as fast as you wish. The Hilton Dubai Tower Race is held in support of the Rashid Centre for People with Determination, a school that provides education services and therapy for children with special needs. Spaces are going very quickly for this event.
Dubai. October 19. Dh176 to sign up. Prior registration required. Race starts from 7.30am
Spartan Race
Sorry fellas, this one is for the ladies only. As you would expect from Spartan races, this will be tough and challenging: only 5 kilometers, but with 20 obstacles, which in a Spartan Race can range from crawling in mud to jumping over fire. Men are not allowed anywhere near this course on Abu Dhabi’s Al Ghazal Golf Course; female spectators are charged Dh20 each.
Abu Dhabi. Dh382, prior registration and heat selection required. October 25 and 26 at Al Ghazal Golf Course. Heats from 8.30am.
Mercedes-Benz Challenge
This event, now in its 8th edition, is definitely for the thrill seekers out there. Teams of two to four members, traveling in a Mercedes Benz, face a set of seven challenges that will test speed, logic, fitness, accuracy, perseverance and teamwork. The prize: a Mercedes-Benz SUV
Dubai. November 1. From Dh598 for two members to Dh1,196 for four. To register and for more information TheRushaway.com
Desert Warrior Challenge
The Desert Warrior Challenge is back and this time it is being held at the unique Al Marjan Island obstacle course in Ras Al Khaimah. Be prepared for 20+ obstacles and challenges, including water slides and slope climbs, and enter with friends or as an individual competitor. Junior races too. Spots fill up quickly, so register early.
Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island. November 8. Registration from Dh150.
The Color Run
Located once again at the Dubai Autodrome, make sure you dress up in your best colorful outfits for a few hours of Color Run mayhem. There will be a myriad of colours being thrown around on the course, of course, and you can stick around after the run for dancing. Pulling in more than six million runners in more than 35 countries so far, it’s not called the Happiest Run on the Planet for nothing.
Dubai Autodrome. November 10. From Dh199; TheColorRun.ae
