Running culture in Dubai: How to get your jog on in a desert climate | ExpatWoman.com
 

Running culture in Dubai: How to get your jog on in a desert climate

Posted on

23 October 2014

Last updated on 19 April 2017

Pacific Prime UAE Medical Insurance

 

Running culture in Dubai: How to get your jog on in a desert climate

Running culture is blossoming in Dubai. City sidewalks, parks, and beaches are flowing with eager runners of all ages getting their stride on, even in the heat of summer.

running in dubai

But running in a desert climate comes with a unique set of challenges. Though most runners agree the running season goes October through April, at which point the weather gets too hot and dry for even a comfortable jog, a hardened runner who’s adjusted to the climate can theoretically run all year round.

Tips for running in a desert climate

For expats coming from cooler climates - or any other climate really - there are a few things to keep in mind when stepping out for a long run under the punishing UAE sun. Most times of the year, morning and evening are best for running, since the sun isn’t as powerful during this time of day.

 

Bring electrolyte replacements.
These are a must for hot days. You may need to do a little experimentation to find the right dose of electrolytes. This should be part of your training. Remember, just because you’ve run marathons before doesn’t mean you’ll be able to pull it off in a hot, dry city like Dubai. That’s no reason to start guzzling artificially sweetened and colored beverages like Gatorade or PowerAde, though. You can make your own energy drink fairly easily, but a can of coconut water will do the trick too. Just make sure it doesn’t have any added sugar.


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Keep your water cool. At 40° temperatures, the water in your belt is going to heat up fast, especially with the heat radiating from your body. Any marathon worth its salt will be keeping their water supply in the shade, maybe even on ice, but you never know what can happen in the desert, and often you’ll need water far from where it’s being provided. Pack a couple of partially frozen bottles into your running belt, so you’ll have constant access to cool water.
water jogging

Wear sunglasses. All that sand means there’ll be solar radiation reflecting on you from every angle. Sunglasses are a must. Get the kind that straps on snugly; So what if it makes you feel like a nerd when you’ve got a pair of glasses hanging around your neck? The hipster in you might not like it, but if you’ve ever run without them you know it’s worth the sacrifice.

Wear long sleeves. While many of Dubai’s running trails and marathons are close to water and partially shaded, in some, like the Desert Road Runner's Marathon, runners are fully exposed to the sun for most of the race. Even the most dedicated sun worshippers should avoid racing in skimpy gear - something that can cause bad burns and easily result in an exhausted runner dropping from the race. Get a well-ventilated shirt and test it out to make sure it’s comfortable. Depending on how sensitive your skin is, you might get away with just a good layer of sunblock. Reapply regularly, though, no matter what the SPF. Even so-called “sweat-resistant” sunscreen will sweat off quickly.

Keep the body cool with water. Dumping water on your head, though it may give temporary relief, is not the same as delivering it directly to the source. How much water should you drink? Let your body be your guide. If you feel the urge to dump water on your head, chances are you’re under-hydrated. Bring a squirt bottle, which will produce the same cooling effect with a lot less water. Remember your ears are most sensitive to the cooling effect so direct your water supply to that area for maximum effect.

running shoes

Test your footwear before a long race. This is a no-brainer for any experienced runner, but it’s even more important in the desert. Waterproof shoes will keep out dust and sand as well as they keep out water, but they tend not to be as well-ventilated. If your feet get too sweaty, you’ll get blisters. On the other hand, mesh shoes let in sand, an abrasive that can cause worse damage than a bit of sweat. Many runners swear by Injinji toe socks, which absorb moisture and prevent blisters since each toe is covered completely.

Running Clubs and Marathons in Dubai

Dubai Creek Striders keep an updated calendar of running events in and around Dubai, and there’s no shortage of them in the city. Depending on your taste and ability, there’s a marathon for everyone, including fun runs, 10k runs, half and full marathons happening for most of the season.

running club marathon jogging

Running culture is thriving in Dubai, and there are a number of running clubs, that cater to all types of runners: young and old, male or female, amateur and experienced. A club is a great way to stay motivated and meet new people, making it especially attractive to expats, which is why there are many involved in the sport. 

Now is a great time to get involved in running in Dubai. The weather is right, the people are motivated and the sport is blossoming!


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