The 21.1-kilometre race will begin at Coca-Cola Arena at 6:30am, with participants passing landmarks including Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future before continuing along Jumeirah Beach Road towards a finish line within sight of Burj Al Arab.
The new course forms part of an expanded race weekend, featuring a three-day Expo, appearances by international elite athletes and a Mini Marathon for children.
Following a sold-out 2026 edition, organisers are expecting continued interest in the event, which has grown from almost 4,000 participants in its inaugural year to nearly 16,000 registered runners in 2026.
New Burj2Burj route showcases Dubai’s landmarks
The redesigned course will take runners from Coca-Cola Arena through Dubai’s skyline before turning towards the coast.
Participants will pass some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, including Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future, before reaching the final section near Burj Al Arab.
Organisers say the new route has been designed to improve the running experience while highlighting the city’s architecture and coastal scenery.
Warrick Mac Nicol, Founder of Burj2Burj and CEO of Worlds Iconic Events, said:
“Anyone who has run Burj2Burj will tell you about the moment you see Dubai’s iconic skyline for the first time. With this new route, we’ve built the whole race around that feeling while elevating the athletes’ experience.
Burj2Burj was built by runners, for runners. More than 15,000 people from 172 nationalities lined up with us last year, and a huge number of them were running their first half marathon. The best thing we can give runners is a course that feels like Dubai from the first step to the last.”
Burj2Burj participation continues to grow
Since launching in 2024, Burj2Burj has recorded significant growth in participation.
The inaugural edition attracted almost 4,000 runners, while the 2025 race welcomed more than 10,000 participants.
In 2026, registrations reached nearly 16,000, with the event selling out.
The previous edition also attracted runners representing 172 nationalities, reflecting the race’s international appeal.
According to organisers, approximately 30% of participants travelled from overseas, while more than 700 Emirati runners took part.
Women accounted for nearly 40% of the field, highlighting their growing participation in the event.
With entries for 2027 selling quickly, organisers expect Burj2Burj to remain among the region’s largest single-distance running events.
World Athletics Gold Label race welcomes runners of all levels
Burj2Burj holds World Athletics Gold Label status, with a mostly flat course designed to accommodate both experienced competitors and runners attempting their first half marathon.
On race morning, participants will start in designated corrals from 6:30am, grouped according to their expected finishing times.
Pacers will be available in each group to help runners maintain their target pace, while accurate split timing will allow participants to monitor their performance throughout the course.
In addition, entertainment activations will be positioned along the route to support runners.
The race will be delivered in coordination with Dubai Police, which will manage road closures, while specialist medical teams will provide coverage along the course.
Training support for first-time half-marathon runners
For participants preparing to complete their first 21.1-kilometre race, Burj2Burj offers a dedicated training programme.
The initiative is supported by 21 Burj2Burj ambassadors from the UAE and internationally, providing guidance to runners ahead of race day.
Meanwhile, the race will be broadcast live on the event’s YouTube channel and through selected international broadcasters.
Mac Nicol also acknowledged the organisations supporting the event.
“Delivering Burj2Burj to a global standard would not be possible without Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, RTA, Dubai Police and Dubai Municipality,” said Mac Nicol. “Burj2Burj is grateful for an ecosystem of support from local and global partners including ASICS, JTC Group, La Roche-Posay and Corona Cero”.
Burj2Burj Expo returns to Coca-Cola Arena
The Burj2Burj Expo will take place at Coca-Cola Arena from January 21-23, 2027, bringing together runners, families, coaches and sporting brands ahead of the race.
Alongside race bib and pack collection, visitors will have access to athlete appearances, signing sessions and discussions with coaches and industry experts.
The programme will also include Clubhouse talks, retail experiences, brand activations, photo opportunities and a dedicated children’s area.
A signing ceremony featuring international elite runners is scheduled for January 23, although the athletes taking part have yet to be announced.
The Expo has become an important part of the event’s wider programme, with more than 20,000 visitors attending in 2026.
Mini Marathon offers children their own race experience
The event will also feature a Mini Marathon for children aged three to 12, taking place on Saturday, January 23, at 8am.
The untimed one-kilometre event will be held as part of the Burj2Burj Expo programme, offering younger participants an introduction to organised running.
Parents will be welcome to accompany their children along the course, and every finisher will receive a medal.
Organisers have confirmed that the Mini Marathon is already approaching capacity.
Burj2Burj 2027 registration and entry fees
Registration for the 2027 Burj2Burj Half Marathon remains open, although organisers have capped the number of available entries following the previous edition’s sell-out.
The Late Sale entry fee is AED 310, available until November 2, 2026.
After that, the Last Minute Sale will cost AED 350, running from November 2, 2026, until January 3, 2027, or until the event reaches capacity.
Each race entry includes an event shirt, race bib with timing chip, hydration and support along the course, and a finisher medal.
Participants must be at least 16 years old to enter the half marathon.
Runners can register through the official Burj2Burj website.
With its redesigned course, growing international field and expanded race weekend, the 2027 edition will bring together competitive athletes, recreational runners and families for another running event in Dubai.
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