Race date:  Friday 12^th November 2021

Friday 12th November saw the second instalment of our Abu Dhabi races on the  amazing Hudayriyat Island for the World Diabetes Day Run . Again another race with distances from 3k, 5k, 10k to Half Marathon covering slightly different routes and laps.

Hudayriyat island is a lovely flat, open island with a gorgeous public beach, cafes/restaurants, pop up gastro vans, a heritage trail and a wide variety of sport activities. From watersports, skate park, cycling, Tough Mudder and high rope obstacle course etc etc

What really impressed me with the organisers (Gulf Multi Sport) was that 3 weeks before this weekend it should of been the Abu Dhabi Striders race on Yas Island but i understand there was a few issues with logistics at the location so the organisers quickly organised a new location and new theme – very impressive considering the new branded tshirts, medals and race numbers! The Abu Dhabi Striders race has now been moved to January with participates given multiple options eg refunds, entries into both races with a discount on the second or just a straight swap.

Gulf Multi Sports continue to impress me with their email updates, clear instructions along with their organisation on the day and luckily seem to organise most of the running events in Abu Dhabi.

On the Thursday we went to collect our race packs (race number, tech tshirt and branded water bottle/face mask/kit bag) and had our covid tests checked (luckily they are only £10 a time) and issued with a wristband to confirm our negative status – we were all ready for the day!

Friday race day was another early alarm to make the 30 minute drive ready for the 6:30 start. Always weird starting so early but it’s definitely worth it for the cooler temperatures (23 degrees).

Parking was plentiful along with the island’s public toilets. The start line followed all the covid regulations and had a four person at a time staggered start with bins available to dispose of face masks (to collect one at the finish) – yes face masks are still mandatory in all public places in Abu Dhabi apart from when exercising.

The different routes for the different distances were well sign posted with several water stations. There weren’t many spectators but the rollerblading marshals offered encouragement. The race ended with a 200m sprint on the beach, unlike the movies running in sand with heavy legs isn’t a fun experience haha.

For most the 10k measured short but this was most likely due to a zigzag route on the heritage trail and several bends on the course, guess it depends on the lines you take. All done and dusted and back home for just after 8am.

184 runners took part in the 10km race with Clément MEYRIEU (France) coming home first in 00:34.05.   Emma Gibbins (GBR) was first woman home, in 00:41.45.

Full results – split between male and female – are available here

The male Striders results were: