Dubai’s Burj2Burj Half Marathon will return on January 24, 2027, with a redesigned 21.1-kilometre course taking runners through some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks before reaching the coast near Burj Al Arab.
The fourth edition of the annual running event will begin at Coca-Cola Arena, with the finish line at Sunset Beach. The revised route brings together Dubai’s modern skyline, major bridges and coastal scenery, offering participants a different course for the upcoming edition.
The race is scheduled to start at 6.30am on Sunday, January 24. Organisers have confirmed that the course will include views of the Museum of the Future, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, One Za’abeel and Downtown Dubai, with Burj Khalifa and Address Sky View among the prominent landmarks along the way.
A new way to experience Dubai on foot
The updated course is designed around some of the city’s best-known architectural and urban attractions.
Starting at Coca-Cola Arena, runners will make their way through central Dubai before heading towards the coastline. The Sheikh Zayed Road bridge and Dubai Canal Bridge will remain part of the route, retaining sections familiar to returning participants.
The course will also bring runners through areas offering views of Burj Khalifa, the Museum of the Future and One Za’abeel. The final stretch will lead towards Sunset Beach, where participants will finish with views of Burj Al Arab and the Arabian Gulf.
For residents, the event offers an opportunity to experience familiar parts of Dubai outside the usual daily commute. International participants will also get a running route that showcases several of the emirate’s recognisable attractions.
Race scheduled for January 24
Burj2Burj 2027 is a certified half-marathon covering 21.1km. According to the event’s official information, the course is measured and certified by World Athletics.
The race begins at 6.30am, with participants organised into starting batches according to their expected finishing times. The available categories range from runners targeting times below 90 minutes to those aiming to complete the course within three hours.
The event has a three-hour completion limit. Organisers have also confirmed that the course will be closed to vehicles, with traffic management arrangements in place.
Hydration stations are positioned along the course at approximately 2.5km intervals, beginning at the 5km point. Medical teams will be available throughout the route and at the finish area.
Three-day expo adds to the race programme
The 2027 edition will include activities beyond the main running event.
The Burj2Burj Expo is scheduled to open at Coca-Cola Arena on January 21, three days before race day. The programme includes opportunities to meet elite athletes, talks and activities for the running community.
A Mini Marathon for children aged three to 12 is also planned for January 23. The children’s event will cover an untimed 1km distance, with parents permitted to run alongside their children. Participants who complete the event will receive a finisher medal.
The wider programme is intended to bring together runners, families and spectators in the days leading up to the half-marathon.
Participation continues to grow
Burj2Burj has expanded considerably since its first edition in 2024.
According to figures reported by Arab News, the inaugural race attracted almost 4,000 participants. That number increased to more than 10,000 in 2025 and nearly 16,000 in 2026, when the event sold out.
The 2026 edition included participants from 172 nationalities, demonstrating the event’s growing international reach.
The organisers have also highlighted support for people attempting their first half-marathon, including a dedicated training programme and guidance from Burj2Burj ambassadors.
What runners should know before race day
Participants planning to take part in the January 2027 event should familiarise themselves with the updated route and race arrangements before travelling to the starting area.
Race-pack and bib collection is scheduled to take place at the Burj2Burj Expo between January 21 and 23. The organisers have stated that bib collection will not be available on race morning.
The official event information also recommends taxis or ride-hailing services for reaching the start line. Parking is available but limited, while early-morning Dubai Metro services have not been confirmed for the event.
With its revised course, major city landmarks and coastal finish, Burj2Burj 2027 will give participants another opportunity to experience Dubai through one of its growing sporting events.
Q1. When will the Burj2Burj 2027 Half Marathon take place?
The race is scheduled for Sunday, January 24, 2027, starting at 6.30am in Dubai.
Q2. What is the distance of the Burj2Burj 2027 race?
It is a certified half-marathon covering 21.1 kilometres.
Q3. Where does the Burj2Burj 2027 race start and finish?
The race starts at Coca-Cola Arena and finishes at Sunset Beach, with views of Burj Al Arab.
Q4. Which Dubai landmarks are included in the new route?
The route features views of the Museum of the Future, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, One Za’abeel, Burj Khalifa and Address Sky View.
Q5. Will the Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Canal bridges be part of the route?
Yes. Both bridge sections are retained in the 2027 course.
Q6. Is Burj2Burj suitable for first-time half-marathon runners?
Yes. Organisers provide a dedicated training programme and support for first-time participants.
Q7. When can participants collect their race bibs?
Race-pack collection is scheduled at the Burj2Burj Expo from January 21 to 23, 2027. Collection is not available on race morning.
Q8. Will there be a children’s race at Burj2Burj 2027?
Yes. An untimed 1km Mini Marathon for children aged three to 12 is scheduled for January 23.
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