[Latest update: 16 December 2025]
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"What's the route?" "Where is the start?" "What time does the race begin?" These are the questions flooding our inbox, and we get it, you're excited. We are too.

We hear you, and the wait is over. Here's everything you need to know about the Burj2Burj 2026 route experience.
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KEY INFORMATION

Date: Sun, 8 Feb 2026

Time: 06h30

Start Location: Jumeirah Emirates Towers

Finish Location: Sunset Beach

Cut-off time: 3 hrs (route-specific cut-offs apply)

Watch the full route preview here

Get the GPX file here

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BEFORE THE START

Bib & Race Pack Collection will happen at the Burj2Burj Expo, and you’ll need to bring your confirmation email and photo ID to collect your bib and race pack.

Bib collection is only open at these times:

Fri, 6 Feb 2026: 12h00 - 20h00

Sat, 7 Feb 2026: 09h00 - 20h00

NO BIB, NO RUN. There will be marshals removing people without bibs from the course.


Please note:

There is no bib collection on 8 Feb 2026 at the Burj2Burj Expo or at the start.

We cannot send your bib or race pack to you.

Bibs will not be reprinted. Take care of your bib.

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The Burj2Burj Expo is the hub of the event, so join us from 6-8 Feb 2025 for a weekend filled with family activities, race preparations, talks and brand activations.

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If you want to book a hotel near the start or finish, visit our travel page, where we've curated hotels with exclusive offers that are conveniently located for easy access to either the start or finish. Bring peace of mind to your travel plans and book your hotel early; Dubai gets really busy, and we don’t want you to miss out.

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THE START‍

We’re so thrilled to start Burj2Burj 2026 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers again. It gives us the space to accommodate everyone, create the epic start experience you deserve, and most importantly, keep you all safe. And yes, we've massively increased the number of toilets at the start. We know those pre-race nerves hit different.

The actual start line has shifted to this location to accommodate the increase in runners and to ensure your first hundred meters of the race is not affected by road works in the surrounding areas.

The race starts at 06h30 sharp for our elite runners and the Sub 1h30 batch. We listened to your feedback and moved the start later so you can run as the city wakes up, with the sunrise lighting your path and the cooler morning temps still working in your favour.

You asked for start batches, and we’ve implemented them: Sub 1h30, Sub 1h45, Sub 2h00, Sub 2h15, Sub 2h30, and Sub 3h00. 

Select your batch during your registration, and if you’ve selected the sub 1h30 batch, you need to upload proof to your registration in Haku before 30 Nov 2025. If you don’t provide proof in time, you will be automatically allocated to the last batch, and there is no way to change your batch at bib collection.

IMPORTANT:
There's no bib collection on race day morning and no bag drop at the start line. You'll handle both at the Burj2Burj Expo on 6 and 7 February 2026. 

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THE ROUTE‍

Your race starts at the junction between Jumeirah Emirates Towers and DIFC, and as you run, you’ll get an incredible view of Burj Khalifa before you cross Sheikh Zayed Bridge. Don’t underestimate the Dubai Canal Bridge; you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with an amazing view back over the Dubai skyline before you continue on to cross the finish line along Sunset Beach, near Burj Al Arab. 

The route is flat, mostly. Dubai Canal Bridge is the only major elevation, and we've affectionately nicknamed it "The Hill" because, well, you'll know when you hit it around kilometre 12. You'll underestimate it. You'll dig deeper than you planned. You'll survive it. And afterwards? You'll definitely laugh about it. IYKYK.

We’re placing about 16 photographers along the route, dedicated to getting iconic shots of every runner. You can purchase your Race Photo pack in the pre-sale for only AED99 (they will retail for AED129 on the day). We’ll provide the photographers and a map so you know when to smile, but it’s on you to be photo-ready.

We've added more aid stations with water, electrolytes, fruits, snacks, and a few surprise offerings. We've also placed more toilets at key points along the route because comfort absolutely matters when you're chasing PBs.

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‍Cut-off time is 3 hours from when you cross the start line, but there are set cut-off locations and times along the route. Due to road closures and permissions from Dubai Police and the RTA, certain roads will reopen to the public.

If you miss these cut-offs, route marshals will escort you to our Sweep Shuttles and get you to the Burj2Burj Expo safely. The regulations exist to keep runners safe, allow the roads to reopen and keep the event running smoothly. We know how disappointing it can be to miss a cut-off point (no matter the reason), but please respect the event, the city officials and don’t be rude to the marshals.

Ensure you make it past these points before these cut-off times:

07h40: Al Wasl

08h25: 2nd December

09h20: Canal Bridge

10h10: Jumeirah Beach Exit

10h20: Finish Line

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We have a LOT planned for you throughout the route. More coming soon.

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THE FINISH‍

When you get there, keep moving beyond the finish line; keep the blood flowing, shake out the legs and make your way through the finish chute. Your hard-earned medal and water will be waiting for you a little further, giving everyone the space to soak in the moment without the bottleneck.

Here's something new we're excited about: dedicated Selfie Stations positioned beyond the finish chute. Ring the PB bell, capture your finish time, rally your crew for the hard-earned shot. 

Then make your way to the Burj2Burj Expo. We're talking activations, recovery zones, F&B, and the official prize-giving ceremony. But here's the thing: you have to be there to experience them.

During the prize-giving, there will be dedicated moments for elite winners, Emirati winners and the age-group winners. If this is you, you’ll need to be there to ensure you get your special medal and winners' cheque. We won’t be able to ship medals to any winners.

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‍Runner’s Photos and Race Results will be announced over social media and shared via email by Monday, 9 Feb 2026 at the latest.

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The team has worked hard throughout the year to bring you an improved version of Burj2Burj. We can’t wait to see you at the start!

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