sport
Abu Dhabi Launches Global Running Day, Marathon Training, Weekly Fitness Events
From community fun runs at Yas Park to ongoing group training at Al Maryah Island, the capital offers multiple ways to get moving this month.
How we reported this
Abu Dhabi, July 15, 2026, The city’s running calendar has seen a steady stream of activity in recent days, headlined by the Global Running Day celebration at Yas Park earlier this month and the continued monthly Let’s Run! program at The Galleria Al Maryah Island. Organisers are also counting down to the sixth edition of the Abu Dhabi Marathon, which will again offer shorter course options alongside the main event.
The push for inclusive, accessible fitness comes at a time when official data shows physical activity participation across the emirate rose to 50.16% in the latest survey-with football the most practiced sport at 25%, according to the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Running events like these are seen as a key way to keep that upward trend moving.
Global Running Day and Community Events
On June 4, 2026, Yas Park hosted the Global Running Day community run, offering 1 km, 3 km, and 5 km distances for all fitness levels, as announced by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council [1]. The free event drew families, casual joggers and serious runners alike, reflecting the city’s effort to lower the barrier for first-time participants.
Later this year, the UAE National Day Run is scheduled for December 6, 2025, in Al Ain, with a scenic flat-course route and entry fees starting at AED 78.75-designed both for personal bests and leisurely participation [5]. Earlier, the SEHA Pink Run, a breast cancer awareness initiative, offered 3 km and 6 km distances starting from the Zayed Grand Mosque and was open to all ages and fitness levels [8].
Monthly Runs at Al Maryah Island and Marathon Season
For those seeking a regular weekly training group, The Galleria Al Maryah Island operates Let’s Run!, a recurring monthly program held every Saturday at 7:30 AM. Sessions are led by brands including adidas Runners, lululemon, Barry’s and GO Sport [4]. The program runs on the first through fourth Saturdays of each month [3].
The main event on the horizon remains the Abu Dhabi Marathon, now in its sixth edition. Alongside the 42.2 km race, organisers will again offer a marathon relay, 2.5 km, 5 km, and 10 km courses. Last year’s edition attracted 25,000 runners, according to event organisers [9].
The combination of free community runs, low-cost entry races and weekly brand-led sessions means residents have more options than ever to stay active-without waiting for race day.