Dubai Mallathon Concludes With A World Record And Strong Community Turnout
DUBAI, UAE—Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, the Dubai Mallathon has officially concluded. The month-long initiative, which saw nine shopping centers transformed into indoor fitness tracks, drew more than 40,000 participants, cementing its status as a landmark community sporting event. By offering safe, air-conditioned environments for exercise, the Mallathon provided a unique solution for residents and visitors to stay active during the summer.
The final event at Dubai Hills Mall was a historic occasion, as the Mallathon set a new Guinness World Record for the largest number of participants in a mall run. A total of 1,392 runners, representing diverse ages and nationalities, took part in the record-breaking race. This achievement adds to Dubai’s growing list of international distinctions in sports and community engagement, showcasing the city's ability to host large-scale, innovative initiatives.
Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, praised the overwhelming participation, particularly noting the strong turnout of young people who formed the majority of the participants. "The overwhelming participation of young people, who formed the majority, highlights their key role in the success of such initiatives," he said. Dr. Al Neyadi emphasized that sport inspires, strengthens mental and physical health, and reinforces the active role of youth in society, aligning with the UAE’s long-term vision.
Khalfan Belhoul, Vice President of the Dubai Sports Council, described the Guinness World Record as a significant milestone that reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for innovative and impactful initiatives. He highlighted the crucial role of Sheikh Hamdan’s support in the Mallathon's success. "At the Dubai Sports Council, we are proud of this record and remain committed to expanding similar initiatives. Our goal is to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global capital for community sports and to promote a healthier, happier society,” Belhoul stated.
Photo courtesy: Dubai Media Office
Over its 31-day duration, the initiative saw participants collectively log more than 120 million steps. Over 10 kilometres of indoor tracks were made available daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 am at malls including The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, City Centre Mirdif, and Dubai Festival City Mall. The closing event also featured a full 42-kilometre marathon with 40 runners competing for top honors. Victor Kiprono took first place, followed by Godfrey Segule in second, and Rio Watson, a participant from the People of Determination, in third.
Beyond the competitive runs, the Mallathon featured a range of community-focused activities. A dedicated women’s race was held on Emirati Women’s Day in a collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, offering a special platform for female runners. The event also saw widespread participation from various government entities, including Dubai Police, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Future Foundation, and the Community Development Authority, alongside youth councils from across the Emirates.
The Mallathon was organized by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council and was launched as part of three key frameworks: the “Year of Community,” the Dubai Social Agenda 33, and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033. These initiatives are all designed to promote sport as a daily habit, foster social cohesion, and enhance the overall quality of life for all residents.
By integrating fitness into everyday spaces like malls, the Dubai Mallathon offered a safe, accessible, and enjoyable way for the community to stay active. The resounding success of the event reinforces Dubai’s strategic drive to make sport a central part of its social and cultural fabric, demonstrating a powerful commitment to public health and community well-being.
