Some run clubs train you to race. Filipino Runners United trains you to belong. Founded in Dubai in 2010, the 200+ strong community has built its identity around one simple idea: you join as a guest, you leave with a family.
Tell us a bit about your club – when did it start and what inspired its creation?
Filipino Runners United was founded in 2010. It is an initiative by run enthusiasts to support laid off and distressed Filipino workers that time.
What makes your run club unique?
We do not train just to step on the podium in any race but we get together as a family with one goal and one heart. You join the group as a guest, you will go home with a new found family.
How would you describe your community in three words?
We are family!
What’s a typical run session like with your club?
We conduct free trainings every monday and thursday in Zabeel Park. We do speed training, drills not just to improve speed but to educate our members to run with zero injury.
How many members do you currently have, and what distances or types of running do you focus on?
FRU has more or less 200 active members and we are not limited to a type of run to focus because each of the members have different interests and most of them want to experience all. All means short and long distance, from fun run to ultra marathon, trail running to ocr, swimming to triathlon.
What does the running community in dubai mean to you?
In any sports, we need guidance. Running community helps a lot in preparing the athletes for the races, improving the performances and most importantly, supporting each other and not competing with each other.
How has your club helped bring runners together – especially new or first-time runners?
We encourage the new members to constantly train by providing them sessions where they can gradually climb up to the ladder of being a full pledged runner. We have coaches and co-members who are experienced in the field who are willing to dedicate time and share their knowledge to train aspiring champs.
Do you have any special traditions, post-run rituals or memorable community events?
We have our annual runmadan challenge event since 2012. It is a 30 consecutive days (including weekends) of running minimum 3km per day during the holy month of Ramadan. We aim to keep most of the people moving as we pay respect to the tradition of our second home, the UAE. Our routes includes stopping by to the mosques around the assigned areas.
What role do you think running plays in building a stronger, healthier local community?
Running is the best way to keep moving. Every able person knows how to run since we are toddlers. We do not need any equipment, we can do it anywhere, we just need to show up.
How do you encourage inclusivity within your club – from beginners to seasoned athletes?
Experienced members are very welcoming and their willingness to share their passion helps a lot in motivationg the beginners. We practice diversity in our family.
What’s been one of your proudest moments as a club?
Our family participates in many races, fun run, marathon, swimming, dua/aqua/triathlon. We are joining to finish the race safely and every race, there would always be someone to hit the podium. It is always a proud moment.
We are also proud of our very own Runmadan Challenge! It is not easy to sustain 30 consecutive days of operation with almost a hundred of runners daily but everytime we reach to the finale, we can always give a tap on our shoulders and say, we are proud of each other. Not every run clubs know about this event but we would love everyone to experience it with us. It is not a race, it is camaraderie.
Do you have a favourite local race or route in the uae?
Every race is a different experience. We love UAE and everything about it. We love Runmadan Challenge routes since it is different route in different areas every day. We can explore Dubai and nearby Emirates through this event.
How do you think events like The Run Show can help strengthen the running community in the UAE?
Events like The Run Show binds different groups together in one venue, one interest. It helps remind the athletes about the real essence of sportsmanship.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining a run club for the first time?
The first step is always the hardest step. All you need to do is to show up and be consistent.
How do you see running culture evolving in the UAE over the next few years?
We thank the UAE for supporting these kinds of activities and we know that this culture will be passed on to generations and the community will keep on expanding. As long as there is a toddler, there will be a runner!
What’s next for your club – any big goals, events or collaborations on the horizon?
Filipino Runners United will turn 16 years old on May 2026. We will be having fun run as a tradition. 16 years, 16 km run! Individual or relay, everyone is welcome to join.
As FRU would say, all you need to do is show up. Find them on Instagram at @filipinorunnersunitedofficial and take that first step
