An event that has proven very popular in recent years, a running race on a course created within the famous Ski Dubai indoor snow centre, returns this May.

With outdoor temperatures in the +25 to +40 degrees Celcius range, the DXB Snow Run offers the emirate’s runners the chance to run in a much cooler atmosphere – up to 44 degrees cooler at -4C in fact.

The run takes place on Sunday, May 19, and is open to teenagers as young as 13 (down from 15 minimum age in previous years) and adults. There are various individual and group categories.

There are two race distances to choose from, 3km (nearly two miles), which is three laps around Ski Dubai or 5km (more than three miles) which is five loops of the centre. 

Of course each laps involves running up in parts quite a steep gradient over snow, and running back downhill on snow.

The race has been growing in popularity each year with last year’s attracting 600 athletes spanning 55 nationalities taking part.

The Snow Run is organised by the Dubai Sports Council and 2024 will be the fifth staging of the race.