Dubai staged the Middle East debut of the Hood to Coast relay at the weekend, with more than 800 runners from over 35 nationalities taking part in a 100-kilometre team race across Al Marmoom.
The event marked the first time the long-running relay series has been held in the region. The course ran through desert tracks, paved roads and open terrain inside the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
Let’s Get Stronger Together won the race in 6:30:47. Green Eagles finished second in 6:47:16, with Trail Runners DXB third in 7:00:07.
The top teams earned entries to Hood to Coast China later this year, with travel support included as part of the prize packages.
Teams rotated runners through designated exchange points from early morning until the final leg, with support crews moving between stages across the reserve. Most teams were made up of mixed nationalities, showcasing the city’s broad running community.
Felicia Hubber, global chair of Hood to Coast, said:
“The Dubai race showed strong demand for relay running in the region and confirmed plans to return”
Runners travelled from the UAE, the wider GCC, Europe, the United States and Asia. Organisers said the event was delivered with local authorities and partners, including XDubai and Al Salam Cycling Championship.
The inaugural race took place on January 10 and follows Hood to Coast’s expansion beyond the United States to events in Asia. Organisers expect the Dubai edition to become a regular fixture on the UAE sports calendar.
