Sharjah Sports Council targets 600 runners across four distance categories to mark the wildlife park’s fifth operational season
SHARJAH, Sept. 26, 2026 : The Sharjah Sports Council will stage the fourth edition of the Sharjah Safari Run on Sunday, Oct. 4, capping a morning of distance running designed to align with the opening of Sharjah Safari’s fifth operational season.
Organizers expect up to 600 competitors across four race distances: 10km, 5km, 3km, and 1km. The annual fixture, organized in partnership with local entities and sponsors, takes runners along paths set inside the vast Al Dhaid wildlife park.
The staggered starts will begin at 6:15 a.m., with all competitive categories scheduled to conclude by 9:00 a.m.
The route takes runners past habitats within the 8-square-kilometer reserve, which houses more than 50,000 African animals representing over 120 species. The park, operated by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah, serves as the centerpiece for the council’s push to pair active living initiatives with regional ecotourism destinations.
Every participant who crosses the finish line will receive a commemorative medal. Podium finishers across each of the four distance categories—spanning junior, open, and masters age brackets—will receive official trophies during a presentation ceremony before the park opens to regular daily visitors.
The opening of the park’s fifth season marks the return of outdoor events across the central region of the emirate as cooler autumn conditions arrive. The running event remains open to both competitive endurance athletes and families walking the shorter distances.
