Burj 2 Burj: The Two Towers
It was the second year of the Burj2Burj event held in Dubai - a highly anticipated half marathon that first took place in 2024 and returned in 2025 for its second edition.
This time, with a twist.
A week before the race, it was announced that the start would no longer be from the iconic Burj Khalifa - the world's tallest Burj (aka "Tower"). Instead, runners would begin from Emirates Towers. Still a Burj, but not quite the one everyone expected.
This didn’t deter the runners, who were eager to take on the 21 km challenge. Over 92% of the route remained unchanged from the previous year - just reversed. This time, the course led from Dubai's Downtown district, winding through the streets before heading into Jumeirah and onto the long, grueling stretch down to Kite Beach.
Those of us who train regularly in Dubai know this road all too well. We’ve spent countless hours running up and down the beach or tackling the "hill" track toward the end of the route.
When you step onto a half-marathon course, you know pain and suffering are inevitable - especially if you’re aiming for a personal best. But staring down an 8.7 km straight road, knowing you’ll be running in the same direction for that long, makes it feel even tougher.
Personally, I found the race thrilling. It was probably the largest local running event over this distance that we’ve had in the region, with over 10,000 eager participants ready to take on the challenge.
The energy was electric at the mass start. You could feel the anticipation - whether it was from elite runners like Scottish record-holder Eilish McColgan or those lining up at the back, hoping to complete their first-ever 21 km within the three-hour time limit.
As a local running coach, my focus was on my runners, so personal ambitions took a backseat this time. Although I took part in the race, the real highlight for me was seeing the athletes from our local running club, Jumeirah Johns Run Club, and my own runners - people I’ve watched dedicate countless hours to training - cross that finish line. Standing at Kite Beach with a Corona Zero in hand, celebrating their achievements, made all the sacrifices worth it.
Across Dubai’s many running clubs and communities, I think we can all agree on one thing: seeing 10,000 runners moving in unison at one event is a huge win for the city. More people getting active and more awareness of local races can only be a good thing.
The Burj2Burj team absolutely smashed it this year - huge credit to Warwick and the crew for putting on a fantastic event.
My only concern for next year? It’s going to be so popular that they’ll have to make it even bigger and even better. No small task, but I’m sure they’re up for it.
Well done to all the runners who raced this weekend!
By Blair Roden