Dhiraagu road race gains World Athletics ranking status and a record field
A record entry of more than 5,600 runners will contest the Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race at Hulhumalé Central Park on 20 November 2026, in an edition carrying World Athletics ranking status, Dhiraagu says.
This year's Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race (DMRR) will carry World Athletics ranking status and the largest field in its history: more than 5,600 runners from across the world are due at Hulhumalé Central Park on Friday 20 November 2026, according to Dhiraagu.
Dhiraagu, which describes the DMRR as the country's largest running event, says final preparations have started.
Ranking status and record entry
The 2026 edition has World Athletics Ranking Competition status, as Dhiraagu announced on 20 October, which means that eligible athletes' results may count towards their World Athletics rankings. Its course holds World Athletics certification, and the AIMS World Running Calendar includes the race.
Entries have now closed. Registration was first limited to 4,000 places, a cap that was raised to meet demand; Dhiraagu says no previous edition has drawn as many participants.
Races, teams and prizes
Runners can enter a 5K, a 10K or a half marathon. New this year are team categories, first announced in August, when entries opened:
- Colleges and universities
- Corporate
- Resort
- Running clubs
Each team comprises four runners, and each category will produce a single champion team. Prize money for all categories comes to MVR 296,000.
Running for child protection
Child protection is the race's cause: it gives NGOs a stage from which to press for children's rights and collect funds. The money is distributed in two ways:
- the top five NGOs, as nominated by participants, receive MVR 200,000
- all proceeds from special bibs, together with MVR 100 from every registration, are divided equally among endorsed NGOs
Dhiraagu says the event is meant to promote healthy habits and to give novices and seasoned runners alike a chance to take part. Participants should prioritise their health, it says, and prepare under experienced coaches; The Wellness Club, Island Runners Maldives and Marathon Runners Maldives are the coaching partners for 2026.
Dhiraagu is publishing updates through its social media channels and the race website.
