Dubai: 1.90 lakh people ran in the Dubai Run held as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. With the arrival of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, the excitement gave way to celebration. The riders returned by rewriting last year’s participation record of 1.46 lakh people.
Runners started flocking to Sheikh Zayed Road from 3 am on Sunday. A light green jersey was given to those who registered. There were two rides of 5 and 10 km. The race started at 6, but the city was full even before that. Thousands of Malayali riders also came to run. Traffic control was arranged for several hours on Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, where the vehicles were snarling, to facilitate the riders. As the morning was cold, the majority completed the goal without fatigue. Drinking water was available at all places.
The ride was in the background of Dubai Run Burj Khalifa, Museum of Future and Dubai Canal. It was a new experience for beginners. All the children and members of the community participated. Children and family members mostly opted for the 5 km ride. There are also those who have completed the ride more than once. There are those who have registered as a group and individually. Dubai Metro service started from 3.30 AM for the comfort of the runners. The metro was crowded with runners till ten in the morning.