As we are well and truly into January, the gyms are still busy, the running tracks are still full of people and everyone seems to realllly be trying to stick to their fitness goals.

And there’s nothing like a fitness event to motivate you to a) get in shape and b) give you a deadline to work to.

There are plenty of fun fitness events happening around town, so here are a few you should mark in your diary.

In chronological order – here are 10 events that will take you all the way to summer.

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1. Jan 26: Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon

One of the most prestigious events on the Dubai fitness calendar, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon sees athletes from around the world come to Dubai to compete.

It’s a great one to participate in if you’re into running as it’s a real bucket-list experience for plenty of runners.

Plus there are half-marathon and 10k options for those looking for something a little shorter.

2. Jan 26-27: Yas Family Fitness Fest

One for the whole family, the Yas Family Fitness Fest is happening on January 26 & 27 and is completely FREE to attend. The event will take place at Gateway Park South on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and will have plenty of fitness fun from 9am-5pm daily.

Check out fitfest.ae for the full listing of classes, challenges and offerings available.

3. Feb 2-3: Reebok Wadi Bih Run

Happening in Wadi Bih, this relay race spans over either 50 or 72km and is one of the most scenic runs around.

You can do a quick 5k run, then rest in the car while your teammates do the work – the dream!

Get your team of five and join in this uber-fun relay around Wadi Bih.

4. Feb 3: Almas Tower Vertical Run

Feel the burn of 64 flights of stairs with the Almas Tower Vertical Run. It’s 1,600 stairs to be exact, and 245 metres.

This one will truly get your blood pumping and your legs moving.

See more info here.

5. Feb 7: Bloomberg Square Mile Relay

A company outing for this one – you’ll need to get your colleagues involved.

Happening in DIFC on Wednesday, February 7, the Bloomberg Square Mile Relay will see teams of 10 runners take part in a 10-lap relay in a one-mile square course.

Registration is open NOW.

6. Feb 9: RAK Half Marathon

One of the UAE’s favourite and best half-marathon courses, this one is a favourite thanks to its scenic routes and fun staycation options.

In its 12th edition, the RAK Half-Marathon offers buses from Dubai and Abu Dhabi but it’s definitely worth splashing out on a hotel.

Registrations close TOMORROW so don’t miss out!

Register at premieronline.com

7. Feb 16: TriYas

One of the best-known, and best-loved triathlons, TriYas is happening on February 16 at, you guessed it, Yas Island.

The course has both a sprint and Olympic distance course, on the beautiful Yas Marina Circuit and there’s even a kids’ course!

See more info here.

8. Feb 24: Wadi Adventure Race

Also known as WAR, this obstacle course – hosted at Wadi Adventure – will challenge your mettle, having to run up the river rapids, climb over obstacles and see if you can balance while running across rafts.

There are 5-10k and 15k distances so there’s something for every level!

Register your interest on wadiadventure.com

9. April 20: Oceanic Triathlon 3/3

A great entry-level triathlon, the Oceanic Series is held on the beautiful coastlines of Khor Fakkan, so offers a beautiful backdrop. There are sprint and short-course distances, making this ideal if you’re not quite at the Olympic distance level.

Register on hopasports.com

10. April 21: Rushaway Challenge

For something a bit different, the Rushaway UAE Challenge is a scavenger hunt that will test your fitness, stamina and smarts through a series of hints.

Get a team together and go go go!

Read more here.