I'm visiting Dubai for 10 days in the middle of my marathon training. I need to run ~90 miles a week when I'm there, including a few workouts and a 22 mile long run. Anyone know runners there or good places to run/do workouts? It seems like there are a few local running clubs and I'm not sure which one is the most legit. There are a few small parks so I imagine I'll probably end up doing a bunch of 1 mile loops, which is fine, but if I had company or a better route I would be much happier.
Not sure where you are staying but I was there last year and ran at Al Barsha Park, which is about a 1/2 mile from the Mall of the Emirates.. It has a 1500-meter loop that has a rubberized surface and is marked every 100 meters. It gets a bit busy right after work but it has lights and is open until 10 p.m.
I think one must pay to go to most parks. There is a small one in Barsha with free access, with a `jogging track': a very spongy surface. Many people actually use it. And they are indeed jogging. You might have to navigate between them if you are only remotely fast.
I have also seen people running around the Marina district.
As for clubs, I have no idea.
Google Dubai running Club, I believe they get together a couple times a week. Lot's of ex-pats I hear.
Igy
Thanks everybody! I'm staying near the airport so I'll be somewhat far from Al Barsha but it's probably worth it to drive there for my long run.