Dubai’s month-long sports initiative, the Dubai Mallathon, concluded with a Guinness World Record for the most runners in a mall run event. Over the course of August, some of the city’s most popular malls were transformed into indoor running tracks, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to stay active while avoiding the summer heat.
The Dubai Mallathon brought together 40,000 participants who collectively logged more than 120 million steps across nine major shopping centres, including Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina Mall, Springs Souk, City Centre Deira, and City Centre Mirdif. Participants had the option to take part in 10k, 5k, and 2.5k runs, as well as paced walks, ensuring accessibility for fitness enthusiasts and beginners alike.
On its final day at Dubai Hills Mall, the initiative set the Guinness World Record with 1,392 runners of different ages and nationalities taking part. The closing event also featured a 42-kilometre marathon with 40 runners across multiple categories.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said the initiative reflects the leadership’s commitment to embedding sports into daily life and fostering an environment that supports the physical and mental well-being of the community.
His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Vice President of the Dubai Sports Council, said the world record achieved through the Dubai Mallathon marks a milestone that strengthens Dubai’s position as a hub for innovative initiatives with a lasting community impact.
