Runners at the Dubai Marathon will have a rare chance to enter the Guinness World Records archive this year, as the global record-keeping authority partners with the marathon to mark the race’s 25th anniversary.
Announced on January 12, 2026, the collaboration invites participants in the February 1 Dubai Marathon to attempt officially recognized world records under the banner “Be Part Of It.” The initiative merges one of the Middle East’s most established distance-running events with the world’s leading authority on record-breaking achievements.
Related: 10 best marathons in the Middle East
Rather than focusing only on finishing times, the partnership opens the door to a wide range of creative, endurance-based, and community-driven record attempts. Runners can apply for approved Guinness World Records titles across distance categories, or propose new ones through the official Guinness World Records platform.
Among the record categories available are:
– Fastest marathon completed by a father and son together
– Fastest marathon completed by a mother and daughter together
Additional opportunities include records involving sporting equipment, blindfolded running, roller skating, professional attire, novelty endurance challenges, and visually distinctive running formats.
The aim is to expand how athletic achievement is measured — moving beyond pure speed to include connection, creativity, and participation.
All Guinness World Records applications submitted specifically for the Dubai Marathon will be processed free of charge. Participants will also benefit from fast-tracked application reviews and immediate eligibility assessments, making the process more accessible than traditional record attempts.
Fundraising-related record attempts must receive written approval from an officially authorised UAE charitable entity, in line with national regulations.
The initiative also places strong emphasis on inclusion. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply through Guinness World Records’ dedicated Impairment Classification categories, ensuring fair and consistent assessment across all abilities.
Participants can explore record titles or submit proposals in Arabic or English through the Guinness World Records registration page, and can register for the marathon itself via the official Dubai Marathon website.
Now in its 25th year, the Dubai Marathon has established itself as one of the region’s most respected long-distance running events, attracting elite athletes and community runners from around the world. The Guinness World Records collaboration adds a new dimension to the race, turning it into both a competitive sporting event and a platform for storytelling, legacy, and shared achievement.
