Dubai Holding SkyRun returns for Dubai Fitness Challenge

Dubai Holding's SkyRun, the only official stairclimbing race in the city, will return for its 17th edition on November 12.

It will be held in partnership with the International Skyrunning Federation, Dubai Sports Council, Al Jalila Foundation and Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

A run up the 52 floors comprising 1,334 steps of the office tower of the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the race will challenge amateur and professional runners from the UAE and the rest of the world to compete for a good cause.

The funds raised from the race will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation’s Majlis Al Amal, the UAE’s first cancer drop-in centre and the first of its kind community centre dedicated to female cancer patients and their wellbeing. 

It will be open to a total of 250 participants, including 20 to 30 professional athletes, across three categories: Elite, Open and Teams (of four).

Top three female and male winners from the Elite category as well as the fastest team within the Teams’ category will receive cash prizes.

Participation of people of determination will also win special recognition.

"Taking place during the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2022, this race reiterates our dedication to supporting Dubai become one of the healthiest, happiest and most vibrant cities in the world," highlighted Huda Buhumaid, Chief Impact Officer, Dubai Holding.

"It forms an integral part of our Corporate Wellness Programme, which has successfully promoted health and wellbeing since its launch in 2007. This goes hand in hand with our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.

Since 2008, stairclimbing is a recognised discipline of the International Skyrunning Federation which governs, promotes and sanctions vertical running, whether at high altitude in the mountains or in city skyscrapers. 

Marino Giacometti, President of the International Skyrunning Federation, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate our first Stairclimbing World Championships at the Dubai Holding SkyRun 2022 after our highly successful collaboration since 2016 with the Vertical World Circuit.

"It’s been an intensive year celebrating no less than three world championships of our various disciplines and now we are ready to invite the world’s elite skyscraper racers together with top international skyrunning athletes to test their vertical running skills – indoors rather than outdoors!”

Runners can register online.