Guinness World Records has joined forces with the Dubai Marathon for a partnership that gives participants an opportunity to break world records while running in the iconic event on January 12, 2025. The partnership will enable runners across distance categories to try to achieve a new verified record, adding a layer of excitement to one of the region’s top annual sporting events.
Runners can set records in several categories such as while wearing costumes for a humanitarian cause, running in a group, or through several other creative ways.
“This partnership with the Dubai Marathon aligns with our mission to inspire communities to embrace sports while offering them an incredible chance to enter the record books. Participants will also have the opportunity to showcase their achievements through our official channels,” stated Shaddy Gaad, senior marketing manager at Guinness World Records.
Records to break
Registration for record attempts at the Dubai Marathon will be completely free of charge from Guinness World Records. Additionally, participants will enjoy expedited processing and immediate consideration for record approval.
Guinness World Records shared some peculiar record ideas for the Dubai Marathon where participants can try setting a record for:
- The fastest marathon time while dribbling a football or a basketball.
- Running as a blindfolded athlete.
- Running in a school uniform or a suit or dressed as a doctor.
- Running while hula-hooping or even running with an egg and spoon.
There are also record categories for the fastest marathon times run by a mother and daughter and by a father and son.
For his part, Dubai Marathon event director Peter Connerton said: “It’s a fun initiative that is open to all marathon runners who have already registered to run in the event on January 12. Of course, any attempt to set a record involving fundraising must first obtain written approval from the authorized body as required by UAE laws regarding charitable donations.”
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Dubai Marathon 2025 to feature three races
The Dubai Marathon will feature three races: 4km, 10km, and the classic 42.195km marathon distance. You can register to participate in any of the three races at the Dubai Marathon website.
The 4km Fun Run is open to participants of all ages. The 10km run has an age limit of 15 years and over while the 42.195km marathon is restricted to participants over the age of 18.
On January 12, runners from around the world will tackle routes along Jumeirah Beach Road, Al Sufouh, and Umm Suqeim Road. For international visitors, this race offers marathon participants the chance to compete alongside the world’s best on flat, fast roads that can provide opportunities for setting new records and personal bests.
Earlier this year, Ethiopian Tigist Ketema made headlines by setting the fastest women’s debut marathon time ever at 2:16:07, just eight months before she secured victory at the Berlin Marathon in September. Additionally, teenager Addisu Gobena won the men’s race, also on his marathon debut, with a time of 2:05:01.
