The Run takes place on December 21

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 17 December 2018:   Dubai residents get your running shoes on for a holiday experience like none other as Dubai Festival City, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate’s fully integrated mega project, will be hosting the city’s first-ever Santa Run. 

Organized by RaceME, the run will take place on December 21st and covers two distances – 2.5km for kids and beginners, the more seasoned runners can register themselves for the 5km distance. Set against the backdrop of the Dubai Creek and the city skyline, the Santa Run will start at the Dubai Festival City Mall Promenade, through the iconic Dubai Festival City finishing in the Festive Market. 

Registered participants will receive a free Santa T-shirt along with a Santa hat and beard.  Participants are also encouraged to get creative and come in their own Santa costumes to stand a chance to win best dressed Santa prizes.

Racers and their families are also welcome to enjoy the Festive Market at the Race Village located in Dubai Festival City Mall, which will follow the holiday theme and have plenty of activities for all ages including Meet and Greet with Santa at his Grotto.  A wide variety of refreshments will also be available at the market along with the opportunity to shop from various retailers. 

Commenting on the event, Samer Zabian, Director – Residential & Commercial Property at Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate, said, “This is a time where families come together to celebrate the holiday spirit. Keeping that in mind, we are proud to introduce the Santa Run to Dubai. We welcome aspiring racers and families to come take part in this run and join us in celebrating the holiday season. More than just the race, we will also be having some of Dubai Festival City’s best retailers with their booths, where visitors can get a taste of the shopping opportunities in Dubai Festival City. We hope that through this event we will be able to play a role in bringing our community one step closer to each other.”

The Santa run will open its doors at 8:30 am. Those wishing to register can do so at http://raceme.ae/santa and online registrations is open until December 20that 5pm.  

Chris Berglehner, founder and RaceME partner had this to say: “We are delighted to be able to host this event in partnership with Dubai Festival City, these iconic runs form part of our Iconic Run Series for the residents of Dubai. We continue to provide fun, family orientated events for Dubai and welcome all participants to one of Dubai’s first ever Santa Runs. The event is open to all ages and abilities and in the true spirit of Christmas we encourage all to come and enjoy the morning with us, Santa, Dubai Festival City and every fellow Santa who is participating in this fun run.