So you’ve signed up for a running event in Dubai and you’re thinking about running your first 5K. How can you run faster? What can you do to ensure that I get to the finish line? You may have a lot of questions going through your mind but we’re here to tell you that you don’t have to worry as long as you plan and train ahead of time. Here are 6 tips on how to run a faster 5km. 

1. HIIT it up 

If you want to boost your 5 km time without necessarily hitting the pavement several times per week, you might want to try high-intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT training includes a combination of vigorous exercises (e.g. sprinting on the spot, or cycling as fast as you can) with brief rests. Studies suggest it could even have better gains for your cardiovascular ability than continuous endurance training which will help you perform better during the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. 

2. Perfect Your Pacing 

Even if you follow everything in this article, you can sabotage all of your hard work by starting too fast on race day. You trained for a certain pace so trust it. You will show up at the start line with freshly tapered legs, and the pace will feel easy when you start. Don’t give in. It won’t be 100% easy during the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon but trust your training, stick to your goal pace and save energy for the last portion of the race.

3. Prepare Yourself Mentally 

A 5K can hurt — there’s no way around that — and you will find that your mind will want to quit long before your body does. As the race progresses, your lungs will be burning and lactic acid will be telling your legs to slow down. Thoughts of quitting or easing up the pace started to take over. We know it sounds scary but you need to be mentally strong before going to the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. Prepare yourself to quiet the negative thoughts when they begin to creep in during the last half of a 5K and you’ll be able to easily finish the race.

4. Breathe Right 

Breathing seems straightforward and is something you do unconsciously 24/7, however, when you are running it can be hard to catch your breath properly. Improper breathing is the number one mistake made by beginner and intermediate runners. The good news is that anyone can improve their breathing with some basic awareness. Every day, try focusing on your breathing at least twice. A great technique is to put one hand on your chest and the other on your abdominal area, taking deep breaths for 1-2 minutes. Make sure you spend as much time on the exhale as on the inhale – as many athletes tend to inhale deeper which prevents your body from expelling all the C02 in your lungs. This technique will help you be prepared for the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. 

5. Keep Training 

Getting faster is not a quick process. It can take people years to break their PRs. However, with consistent training and commitment, you’ll surely be able to perform well during the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. You’ll need to train hard and work hard, but understand that your time goal may not be met immediately. Keep stretching those “fast leg” muscles and you will get there one day. If you feel like you’ve plateaued, ask for help from a running group, training partner, or coach.

6. Nutrition 

It’s always best to have a healthy and balanced diet for at least 3 months before a running event. You also want to avoid anything too high in fibre close to the race, because this might give you stomach cramps. Work out what works for you well ahead of race day and stay hydrated. 

As a runner, you know the importance of warming up before a run to prevent injury, but did you know that cooling down after a run is just as important? Cooling down allows your body to gradually return to its pre-exercise state, reducing the risk of injury and helping to aid recovery. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of cooling down after a run and provide tips on how to do it properly.

Why Cool Down After Running?

Cooling down after running is essential for several reasons. First, it helps to prevent injury by gradually reducing your heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. If you suddenly stop running without a cool down, your heart rate and blood pressure can drop rapidly, leading to dizziness or fainting.

Second, cooling down can aid in recovery by reducing muscle soreness and stiffness. When you exercise, lactic acid builds up in your muscles, leading to soreness and fatigue. A proper cool down can help to flush out this lactic acid, promoting recovery and reducing muscle soreness.

Finally, cooling down can also help to improve flexibility and range of motion. During exercise, your muscles contract and shorten. By performing stretching exercises during your cool down, you can help to lengthen your muscles and improve your overall flexibility. Overall, cooling down will help you perform better and avoid any injuries when you join a running event like the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon.

Tips for Properly Cooling Down After Running

Now that you understand the importance of cooling down after running, let’s look at some tips for doing it properly:

1. Gradually reduce your pace: After you finish your run, gradually reduce your pace to a slow jog or walk for 5-10 minutes. This will allow your heart rate and blood pressure to gradually return to their pre-exercise levels.
2. Perform stretching exercises: Once you’ve slowed down, perform some stretching exercises to help improve your flexibility and range of motion. Focus on stretching the major muscle groups used during your run, such as your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.
3. Hydrate: Be sure to drink plenty of water after your run to help replace fluids lost through sweating. This can also help to reduce muscle soreness and aid in recovery.
4. Use a foam roller: If you have a foam roller, use it to perform self-myofascial release (SMR) on the major muscle groups used during your run. SMR can help to reduce muscle tension and soreness, promoting recovery.
5. Take a cool shower: After your run, take a cool shower to help lower your body temperature and reduce inflammation. This can also help to reduce muscle soreness and stiffness.

By following these tips, you can properly cool down after your run and reduce your risk of injury while promoting recovery. Remember, a proper cool down is just as important as warming up, so don’t skip it!

In conclusion, cooling down after running is essential for preventing injury, aiding recovery, and improving flexibility. By gradually reducing your pace, performing stretching exercises, hydrating, using a foam roller, and taking a cool shower, you can properly cool down after your run and reduce your risk of injury while promoting recovery. So, the next time you finish a run, take the time to properly cool down – your body will thank you!

Want to join the best running events in Dubai? We got you! We organise the best running events in Dubai. Go check it out:

Mai Dubai City Half Marathon 

The Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is one of the most popular running events in Dubai. The 5th anniversary edition of the MDCHM will be held on the 29th of October 2023. Register now and follow us at @promosevensports on Instagram to keep up with our latest announcements. 

Mai Dubai Community Run

The Mai Dubai Community Run previously called the Skechers Performance Run has 2.5 km, 5km, and 10km races available and it’s a family-friendly event which is great if you want to bring your family with you. 

Palm West Beach Run

No city in Dubai has a better combination of nature, love of sport and iconic infrastructure for hosting a beach run than in Palm Jumeirah. Come and explore and experience Palm West Beach in a whole new way. 

Bloomberg Square Mile Relay 

The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay was held last 9th February 2023. The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is the only corporate race in the world and anyone can enter as a team of 10 for a great team-building activity. 

Before we get into the best tips for proper running form, let’s first look at why proper running form is important. If you’re joining the Mai Dubai Community Run or the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon, proper running form is definitely a must.

One study found that the wide range of gear, training methods and inconsistent info may be factors behind occurrence of running injuries. Cutting through the noise and getting comfortable with proper running form can dramatically cut your chance of overuse injuries. Also, if you feel more comfortable while running, you’ll be more likely to keep up with your routine and reap the benefits of regular runs. Try practicing these tips so you can improve your performance on the Mai Dubai Community Run.

1. Look Ahead 

Don’t stare at your feet. Your eyes should be focused on the ground about 10 to 20 feet ahead of you. Not only is this proper running form, but it’s also a safer way to run because you can see what’s coming and avoid falling during the Mai Dubai Community Run.

2. Feet Position 

Use an appropriate stride for your running speed. Land gently; avoid pounding your foot as you land, which helps prevent injuries.

The correct foot strike will also help improve your running economy so you’re using less energy while enhancing your speed at the Mai Dubai Community Run.

Here’s how to look after your feet:

• Land with control, using a smooth, even foot strike.
• To avoid lower extremity injuries, use a forefoot strike, which utilises more muscle activation when you land.
• A mid-foot strike helps propel your body forward.
• Avoid striking with your heels. This can slow you down and stress your knees.
• Maintain normal or neutral pronation of your feet by rolling your feet inward slightly. This allows your feet to properly absorb the shock of landing while keeping your lower body in alignment.

3. Arm Strength 

​​Your stride will impact your arm swing since your arm movements should naturally mirror your legs (and vice versa), so it’s a surprisingly important part of proper running form.

You want to maintain a 90ish-degree bend in your elbows. To avoid excess tension, loosely cup your hands and pretend you’re holding a chip between your thumb and forefinger that you don’t want to break. When you’re running, imagine there’s a wall maybe a few inches in front of you and you want to keep your arm swinging behind that wall. 

4. Don’t Worry About the Foot Strike 

While you don’t want your feet to land in front of your body, no matter what you read elsewhere, you also shouldn’t get too hung up on a heel, mid-foot or front foot strike. Concentrate on getting the other cues correct and let your foot strike fall naturally.

5. Other Top Running Form Techniques 

• Upright posture with slight forward lean from the ankles, not the hips
• Each stride landing under your center of gravity, not in front 
• A powerful push off from the big toe, with good leg extension
• Relaxed arm swings forward and back with limited lateral movement
• Focus on a snappy, fast cadence as opposed to labored overstriding
• Eyes focused around 5-8m ahead
• Relaxed breathing, in through the nose and out through the mouth

Want to join a race event in Dubai this 2022? Check out the best running events in the city below: 

Mai Dubai Community Run

The Mai Dubai Community Run previously called the Skechers Performance Run has 2.5 km, 5km, and 10km races available and it’s a family-friendly event which is great if you want to bring your family with you. The next race will take place on the 18th of February 2023. Register here. 

Palm West Beach Run
No city in Dubai has a better combination of nature, love of sport and iconic infrastructure for hosting a beach run than in Palm Jumeirah. Come and explore and experience Palm West Beach in a whole new way. Register here.

Mai Dubai City Half Marathon 

The Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is one of the most popular running events in Dubai. The last Mai Dubai City Half Marathon occurred last 30th of October 2022. To be updated on the next Mai Dubai City Half Marathon event, follow us at @promosevensports on Instagram.

Bloomberg Square Mile Relay 

The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay will be back in Dubai on 9th February 2022. The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is the only corporate race in the world and anyone can enter as a team of 10 for a great team-building activity. Register now!

So you’re ready for a new challenge! Whether you’re planning on running a 5K, 10K, or  you’re joining the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon, there are many things you need to consider before starting your training program. We’ll walk through each step of creating a half marathon training plan so that you can start preparing for your big race day. 

1. Start with a Base Race 

A base run/walk schedule is an essential part of any half marathon training plan. It’s also one of the easiest things to do when planning for your first half marathon. If you’re new to running, you should start by walking at least five miles per week. This will give you plenty of time to build up your endurance before attempting to run longer distances in events such as the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. 

2. Add Some Speed Work 

Running faster than 5mph (8 km/h) for short periods of time will help improve your cardiovascular system and prepare you for longer runs. Start by running intervals of 30 seconds at a pace of 6 mph (10km/h). Gradually increase the duration of each interval as you progress through your training program until the day of the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon! 

3. Build Strength 

If you’re new to running, you might not realise that there’s more to running than just speed. There are three main categories of runners: distance runners, sprinters, and middle-distance runners. Whatever kind of runner you are, you need to build strength, endurance, and speed, then you need to start with a solid base. That means you need to build on your aerobic capacity by doing lots of low intensity cardio. Then, once you’ve got your base covered, you can move onto more intense workouts.

4. Include Long Runs 

Running a half marathon requires a lot of stamina and endurance. It’s not uncommon for people who haven’t trained for a race to walk during the event. However, if you want to finish strong, you need to train for at least one long run. A long run should last between 30 minutes and 2 hours. This will help you prepare for the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon and help you learn how to cope with fatigue when you encounter it during the race.

4. Finish Strong

If you’re joining the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon, you’ll probably start with a 5K (3.1 mile) run. After completing several runs, you’ll move up to a 10K (6.2 mile) run. Then, after finishing several more 10K runs, you’ll move into a full 21km (13miles). We highly recommend starting training now to give yourself more time to train for the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon.

Check out the best running events in Dubai:

Mai Dubai City Half Marathon 

The Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is one of the most popular running events in Dubai. The next Mai Dubai City Half Marathon will be held on the 30th October 2022. Register here! 

Mai Dubai Community Run

The Mai Dubai Community Run previously known as the Skechers Performance Run will be back in November at the Ripe Market. The Mai Dubai Community Run has 2.5 km, 5km, and 10km races available and it’s a family-friendly event which is great if you want to bring your family with you. Register here! 

Bloomberg Square Mile Relay 

The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay was held in DIFC last 9th of February 2022. The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is the only corporate race in the world and anyone can enter as a team of 10 for a great team-building activity.

So you’re running your very first 10KM run in the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. Our most important tip is never to say ‘Just 10 KM’. All running accomplishments should be celebrated, whether you’re crossing the finish line of a mile race or a 50-mile race. A 10 KM is no easy race – it requires both physical and mental strength and it should be something you’re proud of joining. Here are 7 tips for your first 10KM run that will help you get to the finish line in the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. 

1. Consistency is key. 

Ideally, pick a 10 KM run at least eight weeks away. This gives plenty of time to get in enough running to train the body (especially the legs) to tolerate running for an extended period of time. If you have already signed up for the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon – 10 KM race then you should start training today and be as consistent as possible. If you’re a beginner we suggest doing a combination of running and walking for over an hour. Working up to this duration/distance requires running at least 3 times per week will surely help you be prepared for your 10 KM run. 

2. Do Some Strength Training

One of the big benefits of training for a 10 KM instead of a half marathon is that it’s easier to fit in different types of workouts, such as yoga, Pilates or circuit training. Take advantage of it: doing core-strengthening and flexibility exercises regularly will help improve your form and overall efficiency, and reduce your injury risk. Ideally, try to incorporate 30 minutes or more of core work (including abs, back, glutes and shoulders) and a yoga session into your routine at least twice each week on easy or cross-training days. If you’re short on time, your best bet is to squeeze in a few planks whenever possible.

3. Build Endurance 

If you’re joining the 10 KM race in the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon – one of the most important things you should have is endurance. For many new runners, the 10 KM is the natural next step after the 5K. If the furthest you have ever run is 3.1 miles, doubling the distance can be intimidating. Building your endurance will make the 10 KM run both physically and mentally manageable.

It’s important to give yourself time to build up to the 10K distance. Gradually increase both your long run distance and your overall weekly mileage, so that you can run 6 miles a couple of weeks before race day. You can increase your mileage by adding an extra day—such as 4 days of running instead of 3 days—or adding a mile to each run every couple of weeks.

4. Increase Your Weekly Mileage by 10-20% percent 

How much mileage you do each week in training for a fast 10km will differ from runner to runner and will depend on what your average week looks like right now. But if you’re about to embark on a fresh training cycle, one thing is true for all: don’t increase the mileage or frequency of your training by too much, too soon. Aim for around a 10-20 percent increase in weekly mileage, spread evenly throughout your runs, and schedule a couple of ‘down weeks’ when your mileage is lower, to help your body to recover. Increasing your weekly mileage by 10-20% percent will help you ensure that you are capable of running a 10 KM race during the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. 

5. Do Speed Work on the Roads not Tracks

Specificity is one of the guiding principles of training for a 10K, whether you’re a novice or experienced runner. Running on the roads will help you stay prepared for the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. Along with training for the specific endurance and speed demands of the 10 KM, you should also train for the specific terrain and surface upon which you will race. This is because the majority of the running tracks here in Dubai don’t change inclines, which means if you do all of your speed work on the track you will struggle on any hills you’ll face at DIFC during the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. 

6. Have a Race Strategy 

Whether you are running a 40-minute or 80-minute 10 KM, proper pacing is key to running your best 10 KM in the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. Starting too fast can derail your goals and set you up for a miserable race. Having a race strategy keeps you from getting caught up in the excitement of the race. There is no one size fits all strategy for every runner. Determine what strategies work best for you and stick with that strategy. With these 6 tips in mind, you will be ready to run your best 10 KM race at the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. 

Keen to join a race event in Dubai? Here are the best running events in Dubai – go check them out!

Mai Dubai City Half Marathon 

The Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is one of the most popular running events in Dubai. The next Mai Dubai City Half Marathon will be held on the 30th of October 2022 at DIFC. We’d love to see you there! Register here.

Mai Dubai Community Run

The Skechers Performance Run now called the Mai Dubai Community Run has just concluded last 26th of March. The event will be held again this November 2022. The Mai Dubai Community Run has 2.5 km, 5km, and 10km races available and it’s a family-friendly event which is great if you want to bring your family with you.

Bloomberg Square Mile Relay 

The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay was held in DIFC last 9th of February 2022. The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is the only corporate race in the world and anyone can enter as a team of 10 for a great team-building activity.

Are you thinking of joining the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon but aren’t sure if you’re ready to conquer your first one? We’re here to help! In this short blog, we’ll be giving you 8 signs that say you are in fact ready to click the ‘register’ button to sign up for the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon.

1. You’ve Finished Other Races 

So you joined the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon last year and you’ve done a 5km race. Perhaps you’ve toed the line at a 10 km or two, and you’re ready for a new challenge. Then you’re ready to join a half marathon! But if the last time you laced up a pair of running shoes was for middle school, you may want to take a step back and start with a lesser distance. A good rule of thumb for first-timers is to make sure you can run three continuous miles, working up from there. Don’t worry because the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon has 5km and 10km races available this 30th of October at DIFC. 

2. You Train at least 3x a Week 

In order to be prepared for a half marathon, you’ll need to log a high number of weekly training miles. If you’re a beginner in running, we don’t suggest immediately training 3x a week. Take it slow and work your way up little by little. In order to avoid injury, it’s important to spread those miles out over more runs throughout the week rather than trying to cram them all into a couple of long runs. Start training today to help you prepare early for the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon.

3. You’re Healthy 

Good health is a definite prerequisite for consistent training and is essential if you want to make it to the start line of a race. Search for healthy meal plans designed specifically for half marathon runners and do strength training whenever you can to help you stay healthy and help your body prepare for the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. 

4. You’ve Been Consistent The Past 3 Months 

Running a half marathon is no joke. The only way you can ever truly be ready is if you have committed yourself to training consistently for the past 3 months. While the amount of time necessary to train to prepare for a half marathon in Dubai depends on each person, a minimum of 3 months is a good benchmark. Therefore, if you’ve already been running for 20 minutes or more at least 3 times a week for the past 3 months then you’re ready to take your training to the next level and join the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon.

 5. You’re Competitive With Yourself 

The best advice we could give both in running and in life is to ‘Run your own race’. Getting wrapped up in beating other runners wrecks the whole magic of running. Sure, you should use faster runners as inspirational goals, but at the end of the day, you only improve by challenging yourself against yourself. Running a half marathon slower than someone else doesn’t make you any less of a half marathon runner. 

6. You’re Mentally Prepared 

It’s a great thing to be physically prepared for a half marathon but it’s a whole other thing to be mentally prepared. If you want to reach your potential in the half marathon or really at anything hard then you’ve got to dig down a part of yourself that is a little dark and a little uncomfortable. Running for hours on end is hard and on race day you will need to be disciplined and 100% mentally prepared. 

 7. You Just Love Running 

If you know that the process of training will be long and difficult yet you’ve accepted it then you’re ready to join the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. If you know what you’re signing up for but you know that your love for running is what will keep you going even if every fibre of your muscle is screaming at you to quit then you’re 100% ready to run a half marathon. Register now for the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon, lace up your shoes and enjoy training for the event! 

If you have no idea what the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is, here’s a short summary. The Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is the most iconic half marathon race in Dubai with over 2,000 attendees every year. The event will be held on the 30th of October 2022 at DIFC and 5km, 10km, and half marathon races will be available. Register here!

Signing up for your first half marathon is a big deal. 13.1 miles of grit, sweat and mental toughness is not easy but with proper training, anyone can experience the glory of crossing the finish line at a half marathon race. If you’re planning to join the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon – here are 7 things you should know. 

1. You Need Proper Running Shoes 

Without proper running shoes for your first half marathon, you are more prone to injury and discomfort during and after your run. We highly suggest that you invest in a good pair of shoes that fit your feet and form. Most running stores have salespeople who are well-versed in different types of shoes and can help you make an educated decision. Keep in mind that most shoes have a description so carefully check the information before buying. 

2. Running Groups Can Be A Lifesaver 

We know it can be demotivating to run alone, especially when doing long runs. Running is much more fun together. It’s a simple truth that can help you get through dull training for a half marathon. Head to your local running store to see if they have a group you can join. Staying fit and making friends is a combination that will never be beaten. 

3. You Need To Do Strength Training 

Remember, running is not just about running. You need endurance, strength, commitment, and so much more. Half marathon finishers always have a well-rounded training plan that includes at least two strength training sessions per week. Strength training is essential for any runner looking to improve their athletic performance, especially over long distances. Strength training can take the form of bodyweight exercises such as squats and lunges or weighted exercises like dumbbell squats or weighted lunges. 

4. Fuel Your Body 

Your body will burn through a lot of energy on race day, and indeed during training. This is why you must fuel your body in the right way. Think of your body as a car. Before any long journey, what do you do? You fill it up with the right kind of petrol, check the engine and check its oil level. Your body works in much the same way – it’s an engine that powers your race, so treat it with the same attention and kindness. 

5. Slow Down 

One of the most important half marathon tips you need to know is to slow down and run your race. Considering that it is your first race, we know it can be intimidating to run with others. However, we always remind first timers to never think that they are a failure because they’re running slower than everyone else. Make sure to practice pacing and slow down to take a breath now and then. When it’s your first time: slow and steady wins the race! 

6. Daily Running is Not Required

Logging miles is an important part of training for a half marathon, but doing too much can lead to injury and overall burnout. Rest is important for anyone training for a half marathon. We suggest that you take at least 2 complete rest days per week especially if you’re a first timer. 

7. Find a Good Training Plan and Stick with It 

For those who are fit and spontaneous, it may be possible to win your first half marathon in the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon but the best way to set yourself up for success is to stick to a training plan. These plans will help you gradually increase the distance over time, take proper rest days and be as ready as possible for the race ahead. 

Ready to join your first ever half marathon race? Register now for the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. To be held on the 30th of October 2022 at DIFC. 

Not fully sure if you can commit to a half marathon? Don’t worry. You can still join the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon and choose to run in a 5km or 10km race. Challenge yourself and we can guarantee you that you won’t regret it! See you there.

Want to join some of the best running events in Dubai? Check out the events below: 

Mai Dubai City Half Marathon 

The Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is one of the most popular running events in Dubai. The next Mai Dubai City Half Marathon will be held on the 30th of October 2022 at DIFC. Register here. To get more details about the next Mai Dubai City Half Marathon event, follow us at @promosevensports on Instagram!

Skechers Performance Run Series

The Skechers Performance Run Series will be back again on November 2022. The Skechers Performance Run has 2.5 km, 5km, and 10km races available and it’s a family-friendly event which is great if you want to bring your family with you.

Bloomberg Square Mile Relay 

The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay was held in DIFC last 9th of February 2022. The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is the only corporate race in the world and anyone can enter as a team of 10 for a great team-building activity. 

We have great news! The Mai Dubai City Half Marathon will be back this 30th of October 2022! We can’t contain our excitement anymore! Are you ready for an even bigger and better Dubai Half Marathon? Here are five essential pre-race day tips to help prepare well and fully enjoy the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. 

1. Familiarize Yourself With the Route Map. 

If you still haven’t downloaded the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon Route Map, do it now! Study the map to avoid getting lost during the event. Most importantly, identify where the starting line will be to ensure that you get there at least 30 minutes before the race starts. 

Before the race, it is also beneficial to visit the site and create a plan. Try to visit DIFC to know what to expect in terms of hills and elevations. This will help you craft a running strategy that will help you perform your best during the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. 

Last but not the least, know where your friends and family will be cheering for you to help you prepare and look good in pictures! 

2. Don’t be stressed.

It’s normal to panic and feel nervous the day before running a half marathon. Try not to overtrain yourself the day before the race. Enjoy and relax at home. Read a book, go for a short walk, or watch a tv show. Don’t try anything new like new shoes, new food, new exercises a day before race day and stick with a routine that works for you. 

3. Hydrate (Water is Life!) and eat healthy.

Dehydration will be your biggest enemy during the event. Although the weather during the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is not bad, it’s still important that you maintain good hydration. Everyone’s body is different. Listen to your body to ensure that you don’t become overhydrated which can also affect your performance. 

Try to avoid eating food with lots of salt. Eating foods that are high in sodium may lead to health conditions like high blood pressure. Instead, eat meals that are high in magnesium and potassium to help you stay hydrated and avoid muscle cramps. 

4. Prepare well and early. 

Have you prepared all your necessities for the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon? Have you collected your race pack? If not, go get it today. Today is the last day of the race pack collection from 12:00 – 19:00 in Gate Avenue Zone D, near Carrefour opposite Hair Creators Salon. Don’t prepare at the last minute to make sure you don’t forget anything important. It’s also crucial to review your travel arrangements to ensure that you arrive at DIFC on time. 

5. Get a good night’s sleep. 

The Mai Dubai City Half Marathon starts at 6:00 AM. That’s why it’s essential that you sleep early to be able to wake up early and arrive on time. Set an alarm to make sure that you have enough time to prepare. If you struggle to sleep the night before, try reading a book while laying down in bed and minimize your use of electronics to avoid blue light which can negatively affect melatonin.

Looking to join the best running event in Dubai? You’re lucky because we know and we organize the best running events here in Dubai! Check out the events below:

Mai Dubai City Half Marathon 

The Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is one of the most popular running events in Dubai. The next Mai Dubai City Half Marathon will be held on the 30th of October. Register now. You can also join our 5km and 10km races. To get more details about the next Mai Dubai City Half Marathon event, follow us at @promosevensports on Instagram.

Skechers Performance Run Series 

The Skechers Performance Run has 2.5 km, 5km, and 10km races available and it’s a family-friendly event which is great if you want to bring your family with you. The first race of the series will be back on November 2022.

Bloomberg Square Mile Relay 

The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay was held in DIFC last 9th of February 2022. The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is the only corporate race in the world and anyone can enter as a team of 10 for a great team-building activity.