Burj 2 Burj: The Two Towers

It was the second year of the Burj2burj event held in Dubai, a highly anticipated half marathon that Tok’s first place in 2024 and returned in 2025 for its second edition.

This time, with a turn.

A week before the race, it was announced that the beginning would no longer be the iconic Burj Khalifa, the highest burj in the world (also known as “tower”). Instead, runners would start from Emirates Towers. It is still a burj, but not the one who expected.

This did not dissuade the runners, who were eager to assume the 21 km challenge. About 92% of the route remained unchanged from the previous year, it was only invested. This time, the course led from the Dubai District, which crosses the streets before going to Jumeirah and the long and exhausting section to Kite Beach.

Those of us who regularly train in Dubai know this path too well. We have spent countless hours running along the beach or addressing the “hill” track towards the end of the route.

When you step on a half marathon course, you know that pain and suffering are inevitable, especially if you point to the best of the characters. But looking on a straight path of 8.7 km, knowing that you will run in the same direction for so long, makes it feel even more difficult.

Personally, I found the exciting race. It was probably the largest local event of this distance we have had in the region, with about 10,000 anxious participants ready to assume the challenge.

Energy was electric at the beginning of the dough. The anticipation could be felt, either of elite runners as the head of the Scots, Eilish McColgan or those that are aligned in the back, hoping to complete their first 21 km at the three -hour time limit.

As a local racing coach, my approach was in my runners, so personal ambitions passed a rear seat this time. Although I separated from the race, the highlight for me was to see the athletes of our local career club, Jumeirah Johns Run Club and my own runners, people who have seen innumerable hours to training, crossing that finish line. Standing in Kite Beach with Corona Zero in his hand, celebrating his achievements, it was worth all sacrifices.

In the many clubs and communities of Dubai, I think we can all agree on one thing: see 10,000 runners who move in unison in an event is a great victory for the city. More people who are active and more awareness about local races can only be something good.

The Burj2burj team crushed this year: a great credit for Warwick and the crew to organize a fantastic event.

My only Conern for next year? It will be so popular that they will have to make it even bigger and even better. There is no small task, but I’m sure they are prepared for that.

Well done to all the runners who ran this weekend!

By Blair Roden

Posted on February 18, 2025