Dubai snow run attracted enthusiasts from 55 countries

This year’s DXB Snow Run, which is the first snow sports competition in the world to take place post-lockdown was held in collaboration with Ski Dubai and the Dubai Sports Council at the Mall of the Emirates (MOE).

UAE citizens and residents were seen making the most of the Sunday morning as they traversed through snowy landscapes, navigating the slopes of Ski Dubai in -4⁰C.

Despite the scorching summer temperatures outside, before entering the snow park participants were seen dressing in thick jackets, donning caps and gloves, and wearing winter running shoes as they prepared to enter the snow park.

The event attracted 600 running enthusiasts from more than 55 nationalities who came as far as from Ras al Khaimah in the north to Abu Dhabi in the south to participate in the race that was held in what’s dubbed as the World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort.

Contestants said the snow-covered terrain presented varying degrees of difficulty, from powdery trails to short, compacted paths.

Mohammed Al Hassani came out on top in the Men’s 5km with a finish time of 00.20.38. A Team’s category was introduced this year and saw Block20 a fitness club from Umm Al Quwain take the top spot with an average time of 00.53.59.While Karis Brown was the overall winner of the Women’s 3km with an impressive time of 00.16.37 and Rich Zielinski won the Men’s 3km in 00.15.01. Ann Wanjohi triumphed in the Women’s 5km race after running five laps of Ski Dubai in 00.28.41.

Participants said the physical demands of running on the snow engage different muscles, adding an extra level of intensity to the activity.