Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, the “Dubaï Mallathon” initiative concluded successfully across nine shopping centers, achieving record-breaking participation exceeding 40,000 individuals. This achievement has solidified the initiative’s status as one of the most significant sporting and community events in the emirate.
The community sports initiative, launched by His Highness at the beginning of August, set a new world record in the “Guinness World Records” for the largest running race of its kind within a shopping mall. This accomplishment adds to Dubai’s extensive history of global successes and enhances the emirate’s position on the map of innovative sports and community events. The world record was achieved after exceptional community involvement in a race held at Dubai Hills Mall, attracting 1,392 participants of various ages and nationalities during the closing events of the initiative.
Lifestyle
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, praised the “Dubai Mallathon” for achieving a Guinness World Record, highlighting the significant community engagement that accompanied it. He emphasized that the initiative embodies the leadership’s vision of establishing a sporting culture as part of daily life and reflects Dubai’s commitment to providing an inspiring environment that supports the physical and mental well-being of its residents.
He stated: “The large turnout from the youth, who comprised the majority of participants in the Dubai Mallathon, confirms their role as the driving force behind successful community initiatives in the country. They are crucial in shaping its present and building its future. We have great expectations of this generation in instilling values of community participation and promoting an active lifestyle within our nation’s vision for the future.”
He added: “Sports is one of the key areas where young people find inspiration and expression; it serves as their true outlet and the best means of positively channeling their energy, benefiting their physical and mental health, and enhancing their active participation in the community.”
Quality Addition
In another commendation, His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Deputy Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, highlighted the successful achievement of a world record by the “Dubai Mallathon.” He affirmed that this accomplishment significantly enhances Dubai’s path in community sports and reflects its status as a global destination for launching innovative initiatives with a lasting impact on society. He indicated that the support and guidance from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum were pivotal to the initiative’s success, providing a clear vision of making sports part of the daily culture and a tool for enhancing connectivity and positive interaction among different community segments.
He continued: “We take pride in this significant achievement at the Dubai Sports Council and reiterate our commitment to supporting such quality initiatives and expanding their scope to contribute to realizing the leadership’s vision for a healthier and happier community. This reinforces Dubai’s status as a global capital for community sports and a premier destination for organizing innovative events that blend competitiveness with community spirit, enhancing the quality of life for its residents.”
Over 40,000 Participants
The initiative concluded successfully, lasting for 31 days and attracting over 40,000 participants from various nationalities and ages, who collectively recorded more than 120 million steps along the safe and air-conditioned indoor paths designed for running and walking across nine major shopping centers in Dubai. This success highlights the leading community sports initiative’s effectiveness in raising awareness of the importance of physical activity and committing to a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
The closing events included a 42-kilometer marathon with participation from 40 runners across different categories. Victor Kiprono clinched first place, followed by Godfrey Siguli in second, and Rio Watson, from determination athletes, in third, showcasing the competitive atmosphere and spirit of challenge that characterized the race. The marathon concluded with a ceremony honoring the winners and presenting valuable prizes to recognize their achievements and encourage their athletic talents.
Additionally, the initiative featured diverse community races and activities, prominently the one held in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council to commemorate “Emirati Women’s Day,” which was dedicated to women of all ages and nationalities. The initiative also observed notable participation from various ministries and governmental entities, including Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority, the Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Ambulance Service, the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities, Dubai Future Foundation, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Community Development Authority, and the General Directorate of Civil Defense, among others.
Moreover, youth councils from various emirates participated in the events, including the Abu Dhabi Youth Council, Ajman Youth Councils, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al-Quwain, along with the EDGE Group Youth Council, reflecting comprehensive national presence and supporting the initiative’s mission to promote a culture of physical activity as a lifestyle across the country.
The events were officially sponsored by the Ministry of Defense and held in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council throughout August, taking place daily in nine shopping centers, including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, Springs Souk, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Festival City, and Festival Plaza. Interior paths spanning over 10 kilometers were designated for running and walking from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
The launch of the “Dubai Mallathon” initiative aligns with the objectives of the “Year of Community,” the “Dubai Social Agenda 33,” and the “Quality of Life Strategy in Dubai 2033,” which aim to build an active, healthy, and socially cohesive community through interactive community engagement that reinforces healthy living values and establishes sports as a daily habit contributing to improving quality of life.