Racing Into the Sunset: 4 epic outdoor events light up Hudayriyat Island

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beyond the sunset running, swimming, skating and cycling

Run, swim, ride or skate your way through two action-packed weekends on Abu Dhabi’s sportiest island

 

Golden hour just got a sporty upgrade. This May and June, Hudayriyat Island turns into Abu Dhabi’s ultimate outdoor arena with Beyond the Sunset — a four-part race series packed with action, community spirit and epic views.

From Saturday 17 May to Sunday 1 June 2025, you can run, swim, ride, or skate your way across scenic tracks and open waters in a festival-style celebration of movement and fun.

Whether you’re chasing a podium finish or just out for an active day with the family, this series brings something for every pace, age, and fitness level.

Last year’s edition drew nearly 1,800 athletes from 75 countries — a full-on celebration of Abu Dhabi’s multicultural energy and passion for fitness.

Now it’s back, better, and built for golden hour glory.

Expect finish-line buzz, custom medals, exclusive merch, and a massive AED 60,000 prize pool for top performers. And with every event scheduled in the late afternoon, you’ll be racing into the sunset — literally

Here’s what’s going down, race by race:

 

RUN Beyond the Sunset

 

run beyond the sunset

Where: Marsana, Hudayriyat Island
When: Saturday 17 May
Time: 6pm to 9pm  

Kick off the series with a sunset sprint (or jog—we won’t judge). Choose from a 5 km or 3 km course, each broken into 7 age categories. Go fast, go fun, or go full family mode.

Prizes: AED 100–500 for top 3 in each 5 km age group (Male & Female)
Entry Fee: AED 55–80
Note: No prize money for 3 km, but the bragging rights are all yours.

 

SWIM Beyond the Sunset

 

swim beyond the sunset

Where: Marsana, Hudayriyat Island
When: Sunday 18 May
Time:  3.30PM – 7pm

Make a splash (literally) with distances from 100 m to 1,600 m. This one’s all about flow meets glow, with open waters, calm conditions, and a full lineup for every age and ability.

Races:

  • 1600 m (3 age categories – prize eligible)
  • 800 m (5 age categories – prize eligible)
  • 400 m, 200 m, 100 m Splash & Dash (just for fun)

Prizes: AED 100–500 for 1600 m and 800 m (Top 3, M/F)
Entry Fee: AED 55–80
Kids welcome in every category — especially the 100 m fun swim!

 

RIDE Beyond the Sunset

 

ride beyond the sunset

Where: Cycling Track, Hudayriyat Island
When: Saturday 31 May
Time: 5pm – 8.30pm

Time to clip in and go full throttle. With distance categories for men, women, and juniors, this is your chance to feel the burn on Abu Dhabi’s most scenic cycle track. Whether you’re gunning for the podium or just out for a golden-hour cruise, this ride has your name on it.

Races:

  • Men: 40.5 km (6 age categories – prize eligible)
  • Women: 27 km (5 age categories – prize eligible)
  • Juniors: 20 km & 10 km (fun ride – no prizes)

Prizes: AED 200–500 for adult categories only
Entry Fee: AED 65–80
Juniors race too — but they race for fun, not funds

 

SKATE Beyond the Sunset

 

skate beyond the sunset 2025

Where: Cycling Track, Hudayriyat Island
When: Sunday 1 June
Time: 5pm – 9pm

Time to roll with it. If you’re into skating, this is your moment to glide past the competition — or just coast through sunset with your squad. It’s smooth pavement, solid tunes, and serious vibes.

Races:

  • 10 km (4 age categories – prize eligible)
  • 5 km (6 age categories – prize eligible)
  • 3 km (5 age categories – no prizes)

Prizes: AED 100–500 for 10 km and 5 km age groups
Entry Fee: AED 65–80
No age limits, no pressure — just a good time on wheels.

Here are all the key dates:

Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi
17-18 May &  31 May – 1 June , 2025
Prize Pool: AED 60,000 total
Entry Fees: AED 55–80 depending on event
All ages welcome!

Ready to race the sun? Register now and get set to go Beyond the Sunset.

 

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Image credit Gulf Multi Sport Instagram, Canva

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