From New York to São Paulo and now right here in Dubai, running is officially the It-Girl of hobbies everyone’s talking about. It’s the new brunch, the new book club, the new “sorry, I can’t, I have plans.”
Chances are your friends are already in on it. Their tells? A growing obsession with mile splits, protein powders, and post-run flushed selfies. Strava, a fitness app, is suddenly cooler than Instagram, and weekend catch-ups sound suspiciously like marathon training schedules.
We’ve all seen that image of a runner sweaty, sunburnt, blistered, and maybe low-key regretting every life choice. But here’s the thing, running doesn’t have to be a punishment. Especially not in Dubai. Hello Dubai Mallathon. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a clever mashup of “mall” and “marathon” that brings together the best of both worlds.
For the entire month of August, seven of the city’s most popular malls will open their doors early between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. It’s a dream come true for runners who’d rather not melt in the sun.
And what better way to commit to your new, personality-defining hobby than with some retail therapy? We’ve got you covered with the ultimate list of running essentials, because every main character needs a wardrobe to match.
The fits (because looking fresh is half the battle)
This baby blue fitted jacket is just the right amount of cutesy and baddie. Made from buttery-soft recycled softskin fabric, it’s a win for your skin and the planet. The curved seams on both sides contour the body beautifully, giving you that “I woke up like this” athletic shape. Pair it with matching leggings for a monochrome moment.
Not a morning person? Make your 7 a.m. hustle easier with a unitard, like this one from P.E Nation. With a square neckline and matte finish, it transitions seamlessly from the treadmill to a trendy café. Just throw on a button-down, like this one from GAP and some tall socks. Bonus: adjustable straps mean no awkward tan lines.
Prefer a modest fit? We got you. Another fave is this lilac hooded top with a front overlap cut is as practical as it is pretty. It’s lightweight, breathable, and perfect for running errands right after your run, no meltdown required. Pair it with these relaxed fit trousers for major cool girl points.
Founded by an actual Ironman triathlete, pH5 is as legit as it gets. The Gen 11 tank top looks straight out of a sci-fi flick, sweat-wicking with a versatile corset-inspired silhouette that would work just as well with wide-leg trousers as it would with these alo yoga running shorts.
The shoes, and yes ground support matters
The last thing you want when starting out is an injury that leaves your ankle clicking for months. A good pair of running shoes isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s your foundation. And okay, let’s be real, its also definitely the cutest part about your outfit.
Think running, think HOKA. These grey Clifton 10s have extra cushioning at the heel for the comfiest run of your life. The breathable jacquard upper keeps your feet dry and happy from start to finish.
Looking for a casual yet sporty vibe? Try the On Cloud shoes. They’re comfy, washable, and designed with Superfoam that molds to your feet. We love the pops of pink and red on this one.
Then there’s the OG dad shoe: ASICS. These bouncy sneakers feel like walking on air, even at kilometre six. They’re unisex, making them a foolproof gift for anyone toying with the idea of running.
Personally, we’d clear a whole shelf for these: the 1970s-inspired Onitsuka Tigers. Sleek yet retro, sporty yet classic. The signature tiger stripes? A total vibe, whether you’re at the track, the office, or uni.
Hydration: stay cool, stay cute
Just because the Mallathon is air-conditioned doesn’t mean hydration takes a back seat. A good running bottle should be lightweight, easy to grip on the go, and, duh, cute.
This Lululemon insulated water bottle checks every box. It keeps your water icy cold, and the built-in straw makes one-handed sipping a breeze. The beachy design is the perfect yin to the Mallathon’s yang.
A callback to the VSCO girl days, the Hydro Flask is a veteran It-girl bottle. While it may not be all over your FYP anymore, it’s still durable and iconic. Go for the straw-lid version and watch it become your everyday sidekick for years.
Want to go full runner-core? Try these silicone bottles from ON. Squishy, sleek, and designed to fit into a running vest, they’re perfect for our hardcore girlies going the distance. Add a hydration tablet or electrolyte powder for bonus points and benefits.
Tech because tracking > guessing
Running past cafés with the right playlist blasting? Instantly, you’re a lost princess running through a forest. Just make sure your earbuds stay in place, or your cinematic moment might feel like a poor pirated copy.
These JBL sport earbuds offer a 50-hour battery life and are fully waterproof (some reviewers even shower with them). With a bendable ear hook, they stay snug during even the most chaotic sprints. Bonus: they’re perfect for taking calls mid-run.
Who would you trust more for earbud recommendation than a singer? These Sony x Olivia Rodrigo collab earbuds are cute and clever. A 5-minute charge gives you a full hour of playtime, ideal for those last-minute runs. Noise cancelling with adaptive ambient mode, they’ll help you slide in and out of those mid-run chats.
For the Type A runners (you know who you are), the WHOOP band offers a screen-free, data-rich experience. It tracks your biometrics before, during, and after your run so you can optimise performance like a pro.
Looking for something even more discreet? Behold the OURA Ring. This sleek titanium ring blends in with your jewelry stack while quietly tracking up to 30 health metrics. With an 8-day battery life, you’ll forget it’s even there.
Whether you’re running as a workout, a mental health boost, or just for the ‘Gram, the Mallathon is a perfect excuse to transition into running consistently without sweating through your SPF.
With the right outfit, hydration, and gear, even non-runners will be tempted to lace up. Just remember: show up for yourself, pace yourself, romanticise the process, and, girl, you deserve that post-run pastry. Get two.
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