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Guinness World Records has announced a new partnership with the Dubai Marathon, offering participants the opportunity to attempt official world records during the race scheduled for February 1, 2025. The collaboration marks a significant milestone as the Dubai Marathon celebrates its 25th anniversary, promising the highest participation rate in the event’s history.
Under this partnership, runners will be able to choose from designated categories certified by Guinness World Records that extend beyond traditional athletic performance. The record attempt categories include running in costumes, paired running challenges, awareness-raising activities, and creative elements related to physical endurance and group participation, according to the official announcement.
Dubai Marathon World Record Categories Available
The available record opportunities encompass a diverse range of challenges suitable for different types of participants. Among the categories are fastest marathon completed by a father and son together, or a mother and daughter together, according to the organizing committee. Additionally, participants can attempt records for running while using sports equipment, running blindfolded, or completing the course on skates.
The organizing committee confirmed that Guinness World Records teams will be present to monitor and document all record attempts during the event. This collaboration aims to add an extra dimension of excitement and achievement beyond finishing times, encouraging creativity and participation from runners of all abilities.
Record Participation Expected at 25th Anniversary Edition
The organizing committee for the Dubai Marathon announced that the 25th edition will register the highest participation rate since the event’s inception. However, official participant numbers for the three main races have not yet been released. The races include the elite 42.195-kilometer marathon, the 10-kilometer mass participation race, and the 4-kilometer family race.
According to Ahmed Al Kamali, General Coordinator of the Dubai Marathon, the new edition features significantly high participation from world-class runners in both men’s and women’s categories. Meanwhile, approximately 50 male runners with an average time of around 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 50 seconds are registered for the men’s race. In contrast, the women’s race includes about 35 female runners with average times ranging between 2 hours and 17 minutes to 2 hours and 21 minutes.
Expanding the Appeal of Marathon Running
The partnership between Guinness World Records and the Dubai Marathon represents a growing trend in major running events to broaden participation beyond elite athletes. By offering record attempt categories that emphasize creativity, teamwork, and charitable causes, the organizers aim to attract diverse participants who may not focus solely on finishing times.
This collaboration also highlights Dubai’s position as a global sporting destination capable of hosting world-class events with innovative features. The inclusion of official Guinness World Records certification adds international prestige to the Dubai Marathon anniversary celebration, potentially attracting participants specifically interested in achieving documented world records.
Furthermore, the various record categories accommodate different fitness levels and interests, from serious competitive runners attempting paired records to recreational participants running in creative costumes. This inclusive approach aligns with broader efforts to promote physical activity and community engagement through sporting events.
The organizing committee is expected to announce final participation numbers for all three race categories before the February 1 event. The official tally will confirm whether the 25th anniversary edition indeed achieves its projected record-breaking attendance figures, though early registration data appears to support this expectation.
