Last weekend, I ticked off one of the most unique runs of my career so far: a marathon inside a shopping mall.
Yes, you read that right. Seventeen laps of 2.5km each around Dubai Hills Mall as part of the Dubai Mallathon.
What could have been just another long training run in my Berlin Marathon build-up turned into something much more. It was a reminder of how creative running initiatives in Dubai can transform training and keep the running community consistent and connected through the toughest months of the year.
Why Run in a Mall in Dubai?
Training for a marathon in Dubai means learning to adapt to one huge challenge every summer: the heat.
With August temperatures regularly climbing above 40°C, many runners either back off their training or stop altogether until the cooler months return. That’s where the Dubai Mallathon steps in. Instead of fighting against the climate, it provides a solution by creating an indoor running space in Dubai that is safe, cool, and social.
This isn’t just about clocking kilometres; it’s about keeping momentum alive when conditions outside make it almost impossible. For any runner training for an autumn marathon like Berlin, Chicago, or New York, events like this are a game changer.
Running Community Over Kilometres
The beauty of the Dubai Mallathon isn’t in the distance or the pace. Whether you run two laps or all seventeen, the important part is simply showing up and being part of the Dubai running community.
Running indoors in a mall might sound unconventional, but that’s what makes it powerful. It breaks the monotony of treadmill sessions, eliminates the excuse of extreme weather, and most importantly, reminds you that running is always better when shared.
For me, it wasn’t just about logging marathon miles. It was a reminder that training in Dubai’s summer can still be fun, engaging, and community-driven when the right opportunities are created.
Why the Dubai Mallathon Matters
Events like the Dubai Mallathon are more than just creative race ideas. They’re a lifeline for runners in Dubai who want to stay consistent through the heat. They allow athletes to stay on track with their marathon training plans, remain accountable, and enjoy the social side of running even in the middle of summer.
And the best part? The Dubai Mallathon is completely free.
That accessibility means runners of all levels can get involved. Whether you’re just starting out, running socially with friends, or training for your next marathon, there’s a place for you here.
How to Get Involved
If you’re based in Dubai and looking for ways to train smarter in the summer heat, I highly recommend giving this event a try.
You can find out more and register here: www.dubaimallathon.ae
Because whether it’s two laps or twenty, running in Dubai is always better when you show up, stay consistent, and do it together.
👉 As a Dubai-based running coach, I help runners navigate challenges like summer heat, race preparation, and marathon training cycles. If you’d like support with your training or a structured plan tailored to your goals, get in touch today.
Daniel Bagley | Running Coach 
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