Millions of running enthusiasts worldwide will tune in live on Sunday, February 1, 2026, as the 25th anniversary of the Dubai Marathon gets underway. Staged under the endorsement of the Dubai Sports Council, this edition of the Middle East’s longest-running international marathon is set to reach unprecedented global viewership, thanks to extensive agreements with major broadcasters and digital platforms across every continent. The mass participation event promises both elite competition and widespread accessibility, supported by a world-class production team focused on showcasing the UAE’s iconic Jumeirah Beach course.
Extensive Global Coverage Details Revealed
The 2026 Dubai Marathon has secured a comprehensive international distribution network, ensuring viewers can watch the 5:45 AM UAE time start. In Africa, the race will be available via three key outlets: Ethiopia Broadcast Corporation, Africa XP, and SuperSport. Viewers across the MENA region will receive dedicated coverage from the Dubai Sports Channel.
Asian-Pacific audiences also benefit from targeted access. SPOTV will broadcast the event across Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, and Thailand, while Huya is confirmed to carry the live feed for mainland China. For the North American market, Fortius Media and their associated networks will deliver live coverage in the United States.
Beyond linear television, the event emphasizes robust digital accessibility. Crucially, the Dubai Marathon’s official YouTube channel will provide a globally available, geo-blocking-free live stream. Additionally, the Olympic Channel, accessible online and via its app, will air the live broadcast, ensuring maximum reach for global viewers. This commitment to both traditional and digital distribution underscores the race’s international appeal.
World-Class Commentary and Production Quality
Heightening the excitement, the broadcast will feature expert commentary from renowned athlete Paula Radcliffe, a former World Champion and World Record holder in the marathon. The broadcast coordination is managed by H&A Media, the appointed global media rights holders, with Prime Vision supplying the state-of-the-art production facilities.
Peter Connerton, the Race Director, highlighted the organizers’ dedication to presentation. “It’s remarkable to host the event on our fast and scenic Jumeirah Beach course and secure such immense interest from both linear and digital broadcasters,” Connerton stated. “We make substantial investments in the quality of the television production and distribution to effectively showcase the UAE on the global stage.”
Beyond the Elites: Running for Every Goal
While a host of international elite runners will compete fiercely for the coveted Dubai Marathon trophy, the event remains an accessible fixture for all fitness levels. Thousands of participants are expected to line up across the three race formats: the full 42.195km Marathon, the 10km Road Race, and the 4km Fun Run.
For those still wishing to participate in this landmark 25th-anniversary event, registrations remain open via the official website, dubaimarathon.org.
The 2026 Dubai Marathon is strongly supported by an array of public and private sector partners, including ASICS, the Dubai Sports Council, Midea Building Tech, MG Motors, Dubai RTA, Dubai Police, and CNBC, which will broadcast the official highlights show across its European, Asian, and Latin American feeds, ensuring continuous global visibility even after the race concludes. This multi-platform approach cements the Dubai Marathon’s standing as a premier event on the international sports calendar.