Ho! Ho! Ho! Join the festive fun at Santa Run 2023
Get ready to hit the festive road this Christmas! The Santa Run 2023 is almost here again! Grab your best St. Nick’s gear and prepare for an enjoyable and wacky run alongside the West Beach, Palm Jumeirah. If you want more details on this run, our guide contains everything you need to know about one of Dubai’s most-loved annual events.
DFC SANTA RUN – AN OVERVIEW
Now that we are embracing the winter and holiday season, the countdown to outdoor festivities can officially begin. And we believe there’s no better way to embrace the Christmas spirit fully (and get a head start on fitness for New Year) than to enter a festive run. And the Santa Run 2023 fits the bill!
As the name suggests, Santa Run Dubai 2023 involves running while wearing Santa Claus gear – at the scenic West Beach, Palm Jumeirah. It is organised by RaceME, one of the leading sports companies in the UAE. This company is known for organising sports activities such as biking, running, swimming, and more – along with similar wacky sports events for families and kids. These events tend to be less intense and more fun than anything – to bring people together and create memorable memories.
DISTANCE AND TICKET PRICES
Dubai Santa Run 2023 offers three distances to choose from.
- 1 Kilometre (only for children; one parent can run with the child): AED 49
- 2.5 Kilometre: AED 69 for children and AED 125 for adults
- 5 Kilometre: AED 69 for children, AED 125 for adults
FAMILY TICKET for two adults and two children (with VIP Valet parking): AED 250
While the 1km track is specifically for children, the 2.5km race is suitable for people looking to have fun with their friends or families. The 5km race is for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The family ticket is for families looking for a unique, fun weekend.
SCHEDULES AND LOCATION
You’ll receive a bib with your race number on it – this must be visible while running. Before starting your run, collect your race pack from the Hilton Hotel at Palm Jumeirah. The schedules for this race and to get running are as follows:
- DATE: Sunday, December 9th, 2023
- TIMINGS: Race Pack Collection (at the Hilton Hotel on Palm Jumeirah): 07:00 am to 08:00 am
- Race STARTS: 08:30 am (rolling starts)
Dubai Santa run location is West Beach, Palm Jumeirah. (Co-ordinates: 25°06’23.6″N 55°08’36.4″E).
You are given a bib with your race number and timing chip, so make sure to paste it on the front where it’s visible for the duration of the race. Using elastic race belts or safety pins is recommended to keep the bib securely in place. Each run has a different coloured race number. Don’t forget to match the colour of your bib in the race pack with the colour shown on the information board.
Please note that wearing the race bib is mandatory.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN SANTA RUN DUBAI?
Everyone can participate in Santa Run Dubai…literally! You’re eligible for the run if you’re between 13 and 99 years old. The race welcomes UAE residents and tourists alike.
Things To Keep In Mind
Now that we’ve covered all the basics, it’s time to look at some of the essential things you need to remember. Professional photographers will cover the entire event, so don’t forget to show those pearly whites when you spot them. The photos will be uploaded to the official website after 24 hours, and you can easily access them from the website’s gallery.
Certificates and race results of the Santa Run West Beach Palm Jumeirah can be collected in real time and are also available on the website’s result page. Lastly, don’t forget your race number. The race numbers are to be worn on the front of the shirt during the race so you can be appropriately timed.
Make sure you reach your race’s starting zone at least 10 minutes before it kicks off. The sign boards are placed all over the course to indicate the zones. You need to wear the shirt at all times. Additionally, iPods or similar headphone devices are strictly prohibited.
There is free parking at Golden Mile Galleria Mall opposite the hotel, a 4-minute walk to registration. Other parking is available at green parking in West Beach; parking validation can be done with a purchase at Jones the Grocer.
VIP parking is available at the Hilton Hotel with the purchase of the family ticket. This is limited to the first 100 purchases.
PRIZES AND REWARDS
Race participants (finishers) get a commemorative Santa Run 2023 medal to recognise their participation.
There are multiple rewards for the best-dressed Santa, including cash prizes, Hilton Palm Jumeirah hotel stays and 20% off food and beverages at the hotel. There are also sleigh and elf costume prizes, so get creative in your gear.
Look out for North Pole Certificates, a quirky certificate of participation.
FAQs about Dubai Santa Run 2023
DO I GET THE COSTUME AT THE RACE, OR SHOULD I GET IT MYSELF?
You will get the costume in your race pack at the venue. The costume will include t-shirts (2 different types for you to select from), a Santa beard and a hat to complete the look. But, if you want to win the prizes for best dressed Santa, we recommend bringing your costumes.
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR THE SANTA RUN DUBAI?
Register for the Santa Run Dubai 2023 via Race Roster’s official website.
WHAT IS A RACE PACK?
A race pack is a collection of items for the race. It includes t-shirts, a medal indicating you participated, a bib and a few other things you’ll need for the run.
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR THE RACE?
Are you planning to participate in Santa Run 2023? Here are some of the things you can do to prepare yourself.
- Familiarise yourself with the course maps
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Try to arrive 45 minutes before the race starts
- Triple-check all the info sent to you via emails
- Check the racecourse info for any last-minute changes
DO I GET ANY PRIZES?
Yes, you most definitely will. Participating in 1km and 2.5km races will get you a finisher medal and Santa costume. An added prize for those who participate in the 5km race will be a Santa Sleigh Rockets Stroller.
And with that, we end our guide to the Santa Run Dubai. We hope you run as fast as Dasher and take magical memories home. If you are a running enthusiast, there are also many running tracks in Dubai where you can sweat it out without spending a dime!
Those who reside in the UAE capital can participate in the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2023 – a chance to keep your fitness in check!
