The Dubai Airshow Runway Run delivered a truly unforgettable movement experience, bringing together over 1,000 runners in one of the most iconic and unique locations imaginable - an active runway surrounded by hundreds of aircraft.

Set within the world-renowned Dubai Airshow, the event transformed a highly operational environment into a vibrant, high-energy movement experience that welcomed runners of all levels, all part of Dubai Fitness Challenge 30x30

Core Direction was proud to be a delivery partner for this landmark event, from ticketing, on ground check-in, community activation and supporting event marketing. Thank you to Dubai Airshow for entrusting us to help bring this truly magical experience to life.

A Run Like No Other

Running down a runway is not an everyday experience.

From the moment participants signed up to the moment they crossed the start line, the scale and setting of the Runway Run created an atmosphere that elevated it far beyond a traditional fun run. The early morning energy, the backdrop of aircraft and the shared anticipation made it a moment people will remember long after the finish.

The event welcomed a broad mix of participants from experienced runners to first-timers, all brought together by a sense of excitement, curiosity and community.

Designing a Seamless Participant Journey

At Core Direction, we focus on making movement experiences feel simple, inclusive and engaging, even when the environment behind the scenes is complex.

For the Runway Run, our team supported the event across key participant-facing touchpoints, including:

• Booking system and registration, providing a clear, accessible and frictionless way for participants to sign up
• Supported event marketing, helping build awareness, drive registrations and communicate key information ahead of the run
• Event check-in on the day, ensuring smooth participant flow and an efficient arrival experience at scale, having on-ground teams for logistics
• Event warm-ups and live hosting, creating energy, confidence and connection before runners took to the runway
• Run experience, thanks to the event partners for keeping fuelled and hydrated throughout the event including Bisleri Water, Hydote Electrolytes, Kibsons, Instashop, Plaay Protein and Symmetry Physios.

By focusing on clarity, flow and energy at every stage, participants were able to simply show up, move and enjoy the experience. We would also like to thank Heroes of Hope, a charity supporting people of determination, for being part of the Runway Run and helping reinforce the inclusive spirit of the event.

Why Unique Movement Events Matter

At Core Direction, we believe that people are more likely to engage in movement when it feels exciting, social and meaningful.

Events like the Runway Run demonstrate how:

• Unexpected locations spark motivation and curiosity
• Shared movement builds connection and confidence
• Well-designed experiences remove barriers to participation

When movement is associated with positive emotion and a sense of achievement, it drives stronger engagement and lasting impact.

Raising the Bar for Movement Experiences

The Dubai Airshow Runway Run set a new benchmark for what is possible when movement, environment and experience design come together.

It demonstrated that:

• Large-scale events can still feel personal and inclusive
• Operationally complex venues can deliver exceptional experiences
• Community-led movement creates powerful emotional impact

Want to create something unique together?

Let’s design a movement experience your community will never forget. Get in touch.