The Sharjah Sports Council is preparing the fourth edition of the Sharjah Safari Run on October 4, 2026, at Sharjah Safari in Al Dhaid. The morning event will feature 1km, 3km, 5km and 10km races, with sequential starts from 6:15am and the programme expected to finish by 9am. The run coincides with the fifth season of Sharjah Safari, which has introduced new wildlife and educational experiences.
- Location: Sharjah Safari, Al Dhaid, Sharjah
- Organiser: Sharjah Sports Council
- Date: October 4, 2026
- Race categories: 1km, 3km, 5km and 10km
- Target participation: 600 runners
- Start: From 6:15am
- Recognition: Commemorative medals for participants; top three finishers in each category will be honoured
- Current status: Registration information is available, while some event details should be checked with the organiser before race day
The Sharjah Safari Run 2026 is scheduled for October 4 at Sharjah Safari in Al Dhaid, Sharjah, according to the Sharjah Sports Council. The fourth edition will have four officially announced race categories: 1 km, 3 km, 5 km and 10 km. Organisers are targeting 600 participants, with races starting sequentially from 6:15 am and the event expected to conclude by 9 am.
The run is also taking place as Sharjah Safari begins its fifth season, giving residents and visitors a chance to combine a community sporting event with a visit to one of Sharjah’s major wildlife attractions.
When is Sharjah Safari Run 2026 and where will it take place?
Sharjah Safari Run 2026 will take place on October 4, 2026, at Sharjah Safari in Al Dhaid.
The Sharjah Sports Council announced the fourth edition as part of its sports programme, with the event scheduled in the early morning. The first race starts at 6:15am, while the full programme is expected to finish by 9am.
The early timing is particularly relevant for an outdoor event in the UAE, allowing participants to complete their races during the cooler part of the morning.
What are the four Sharjah Safari Run race categories?
The four race categories officially announced by the Sharjah Sports Council are:
- 10km
- 5km
- 3km
- 1km
The different distances are intended to accommodate runners with varying levels of experience and fitness.
The official announcement sets a target of 600 participants. Every participant is expected to receive a commemorative medal, while the top three finishers in each category will receive special recognition.
The registration platform currently available for the event should be checked for the latest information on fees, eligibility, race-day instructions and availability, as these details can change.
What can runners expect on race day?
The Sharjah Safari Run is planned as a morning sporting event, with races starting sequentially from 6:15am.
Participants will receive commemorative medals, while the first three finishers in every category will be recognised. The event is expected to bring together runners with different levels of experience, along with families and members of Sharjah’s wider sporting community.
The Sharjah Sports Council has set the participation target at 600 people, making the event relatively focused compared with large-scale road races in the UAE.
Specific information such as detailed route maps, age requirements and registration fees has not been fully disclosed in the official announcement. Participants should therefore rely on the latest organiser or registration-platform information before race day.
What is happening at Sharjah Safari this season?
The timing of the race coincides with the opening of Sharjah Safari’s fifth season, which began on September 21, 2026.
According to the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, the new season includes wildlife experiences, educational activities and selected behind-the-scenes tours. These tours allow visitors to learn more about animal care and the specialists responsible for the animals’ daily needs.
The Safari’s latest season also comes with notable developments in its conservation programmes.
According to the Emirates News Agency, Sharjah Safari recorded 186 animal births during the second quarter of 2026. The births included South African giraffes, elephants, lions, oryx, blue wildebeest, impala, nyala and zebra.
The attraction also welcomed six critically endangered radiated tortoise hatchlings, highlighting its role in wildlife conservation and breeding programmes.
Why is Sharjah Safari important for visitors?
Sharjah Safari is located within Al Bardi Reserve near Al Dhaid and covers around 8 square kilometres. Official tourism information says the attraction is home to more than 120 animal species and around 50,000 animals.
The fifth season gives visitors additional reasons to explore the attraction beyond the regular safari experience. Its wildlife, educational and conservation-focused programmes also contribute to Sharjah’s wider tourism offering.
For people travelling to Al Dhaid for the October 4 run, the Safari provides an additional attraction to explore after the morning sporting programme.
The Sharjah Safari Run gives UAE residents another community-focused sporting event to add to their October plans. Its four race distances allow participants to choose a format that suits their level, while the event also brings attention to Al Dhaid and Sharjah Safari.
The timing also connects sport with tourism and conservation. With Sharjah Safari’s fifth season now underway, visitors can experience the attraction’s latest programmes alongside the race.
For runners planning to participate, the key details are already confirmed: October 4, Al Dhaid, four race categories and a 6:15am start. Registration, eligibility and race-day requirements should be checked against the latest information released by the organisers.
FAQs
When is Sharjah Safari Run 2026?
Sharjah Safari Run 2026 will take place on October 4, 2026, at Sharjah Safari in Al Dhaid, Sharjah.
What are the Sharjah Safari Run 2026 race distances?
The Sharjah Sports Council has announced four race categories: 1km, 3km, 5km and 10km.
What time does the Sharjah Safari Run start?
The races will begin sequentially from 6:15am, with the event expected to finish by 9am.
How many participants are expected at Sharjah Safari Run?
The organisers have set a target of 600 participants for the fourth edition.
What is new at Sharjah Safari in the fifth season?
The fifth season includes new wildlife experiences, educational programmes and selected behind-the-scenes tours focused on animal care. Sharjah Safari also reported 186 animal births during the second quarter of 2026.
Sharjah Safari Run 2026 will bring runners to Al Dhaid on October 4 for a morning event featuring four race categories. With a 600-participant target and the fifth season of Sharjah Safari already underway, the event combines community sport with wildlife, tourism and conservation experiences in Sharjah.
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