Running
Five of the Best Running Tracks in Dubai
New year, new you? Get out and about, and burn some calories –for free – with these top jogging/running tracks around the emirate.
If there’s one way to get fit and burn some serious calories without a fancy gym or equipment, it’s running. And with the cooler months at the moment – not to mention the New Year – now’s the time to go out and get moving.
And Dubai is home to LOADS of great quality running tracks that you can use for free (or for a competitive price). But which ones should you try first?
We turned to Nic St-Maurice, who’s a Dubai-based trainer, sprinter and co-founder of The Physical Training Company to give us his go-tos.
1. SPORTS CITY
Sports City Running
© Courtesy Nic St-Maurice
“This is probably the only Olympic-size running track that is open to the public,” Nic tells us. “If you want to include some 100-metre sprints or want to test your mile time, you can be rest assured that the times will be accurate.
“It is also a very good track to run fast times as the surface is a bit harder.”
Here, a day pass costs AED 35 while one month is a bargain AED 100.
2. JUMEIRAH BEACH
Beach running
© Courtesy Nic St-Maurice
Want to run by the sea? Then this is a must-try.
“This track is just amazing, and that’s probably why it’s the most famous one in Dubai,” says Nic. “Stretching 14 kilometres, it starts at the Dubai Marine and ends at Burj Al Arab, running all the way through Kite beach to give you a beautiful view of the beach.”
Go at sunrise or sunset for Instagrammable views, we say!
3. AL ITTIHAD PARK, PALM JUMEIRAH
The Palm Jumeirah crescent run
© Wouter Kingma
Nic has trained a few clients at this track on the Palm Jumeirah, he says.
“It’s a great running track with plenty of spots to stop by on the way to do different workouts – and grab a coffee!. The view is beautiful with palm trees and the track is 2.7-kilometre long, covered with a nice rubber material which is easier on the joints but not the best to run sprints on.”
4. DISTRICT ONE
District one cycling & running track
© Iain Masterton
This track has been around for a while as it was formerly part of the Nad Al Sheba cycling track.
“Although less popular, this 8.4-kilometre rubber-covered track is perfect to change things up and take in a different view on Dubai [you’ll be able to see the Burj Khalifa],” Nic says. “If you need to go for a long run, this track will make you feel at peace.”
5. AL BARSHA POND PARK
And finally, there’s this one with lots of greenery.
Explains Nic: “I used to run a sprint club here and it was the perfect place to run in the mornings. You can also change things up by running on the hills or on the grass, and the place is so cute with trees and a lake in the middle of the track.
“It’s generally nice and quiet, so you can do an interval workout there without having to worry about running over anyone!”
Follow Nic on Instagram @coachnic_ptc
