Dubai Mallathon Sets Guinness World Record in Style

Dubai has once again proved its love for sports and community spirit with the grand success of the Dubai Mallathon, a one-of-a-kind sporting event held inside malls. Organized 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 month-long initiative brought together families, youth, professionals, and people of different nationalities.

The Dubai Mallathon was no ordinary race. It was a citywide initiative where nine major shopping centres in Dubai were turned into safe, air-conditioned indoor walking and running tracks. More than 40,000 participants took part, logging over 120 million steps during the 31-day event. The highlight of the closing ceremony was the setting of a Guinness World Record for the most runners in a mall run event, held at Dubai Hills Mall with 1,392 runners of different ages and nationalities.

This large-scale community sporting event not only encouraged fitness but also reflected Dubai’s leadership vision of building a healthier, happier, and more socially connected society.

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A Month of Fitness Inside Malls

The Dubai Mallathon started in early August and continued throughout the month. Malls across the city were transformed into fitness tracks, offering more than 10 kilometres of indoor space for participants to walk, jog, or run daily. From 7:00 am to 10:00 am, residents and visitors could join the initiative and be part of a healthy lifestyle movement.

Nine shopping centres hosted the event:

• The Dubai Mall

• Mall of the Emirates

• Dubai Hills Mall

• Springs Souk

• City Centre Deira

• City Centre Mirdif

• Dubai Marina Mall

• Dubai Festival City Mall

• Festival Plaza

The event became a favourite among families, young people, and professionals, as it provided a safe and comfortable way to stay active despite the summer heat.

Guinness World Record Achievement

The closing day at Dubai Hills Mall was especially memorable. The event brought together 1,392 runners, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest number of participants in a mall run. This global achievement added another proud moment to Dubai’s long list of world records.

The atmosphere was festive, with participants of all ages running side by side. From children to senior citizens, everyone joined in, showing how sports can bring together people of different generations and backgrounds.

Messages from Leaders

Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, praised the Dubai Mallathon for its success. He said the initiative clearly reflects the leadership’s commitment to encouraging sports as part of daily life.

He highlighted that the youth formed the largest share of participants, proving their important role in shaping the future of the country. According to Dr. Al Neyadi, sports give young people energy, inspiration, and a way to improve both physical and mental health.

Khalfan Belhoul

His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Vice President of the Dubai Sports Council, called the world record a “significant milestone.” He added that this achievement strengthens Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for innovative community events.

Belhoul also thanked Sheikh Hamdan for his continuous support, saying the initiative would not have been successful without his guidance. He promised that the Dubai Sports Council will continue to support and expand such projects to improve quality of life and promote Dubai as a capital of community sports.

Highlights of the Closing Event

The grand finale of the Dubai Mallathon included a 42-kilometre marathon inside Dubai Hills Mall. This challenging race saw 40 runners competing across different categories.

• Victor Kiprono won first place.

• Godfrey Segule came second.

• Rio Watson, a participant from the People of Determination, claimed third place — a moment that won the hearts of the crowd.

The winners were honoured with prizes, recognizing not only their athletic abilities but also their spirit of perseverance and community contribution.

The closing day also included a special women’s race organized in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day. This race encouraged female participation and highlighted the role of women in sports and society.

Community-Wide Involvement

One of the strongest aspects of the Dubai Mallathon was the wide participation of ministries, government entities, and youth councils.

Some of the key contributors included:

• Dubai Police

• Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)

• Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism

• Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services

• Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department

• Dubai Future Foundation

• Dubai Culture and Arts Authority

• Community Development Authority

• General Directorate of Dubai Civil Defence

Youth councils from across the Emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and even the Edge Group Youth Council, joined the event. Their participation made it a truly nationwide movement, showing unity and shared commitment towards fitness.

More Than Just a Race

The Dubai Mallathon was not only about setting records and winning races. It carried a bigger message — that sports should be part of daily life.

Held under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Defence and in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, the initiative supported the goals of:

• Year of Community

• Dubai Social Agenda 33

• Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033

All of these strategies aim to build a healthy, active, and socially connected society.

The Mallathon showed that fitness does not always require outdoor tracks or gyms. By turning malls into fitness zones, Dubai proved that innovation can make physical activity more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Why the Mallathon Matters

• It involved 40,000 participants, making it one of Dubai’s largest community sporting events.

• More than 120 million steps were logged in just 31 days.

• It brought together people of all ages and nationalities, including women, youth, and People of Determination.

• It set a world record, adding to Dubai’s global reputation for excellence and innovation.

• It encouraged healthy living, social interaction, and community bonding.

The Dubai Mallathon was more than just a sporting event — it was a movement that reflected Dubai’s leadership vision of creating a healthier and happier society. From the participation of youth councils to the involvement of government organizations, the initiative united the community under one goal: to embrace sports as part of everyday life.

With a Guinness World Record in hand, 40,000 people inspired, and 120 million steps completed, the Dubai Mallathon will be remembered as a landmark event that blended fitness, innovation, and community spirit in true Dubai style.

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