The Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race (DMRR) 2026 has officially received recognition as a World Athletics Ranking Competition, marking a major achievement for the Maldives’ largest annual running event and strengthening its position on the international athletics calendar.
The recognition allows eligible performances recorded during the race to contribute towards athletes’ World Athletics rankings. This provides both Maldivian and international runners with an opportunity to achieve globally recognised results while competing in the Maldives.
The announcement comes as Dhiraagu confirmed that registration for this year’s event has closed with more than 5,500 participants, the highest number recorded in the competition’s history.
Organisers initially limited registration to 4,000 runners. However, overwhelming public interest prompted Dhiraagu to increase the capacity, allowing an additional 1,500 participants to join the event.
Scheduled for Friday, 20 November 2026, at Hulhumalé Central Park, the race will feature Half Marathon, 10K and 5K Open categories, alongside newly introduced team competitions.
The event is expected to attract experienced athletes, recreational runners and first-time participants, promoting physical fitness, healthier lifestyles and greater community participation in sporting activities.
Beyond its sporting significance, the 2026 edition will continue supporting child protection initiatives, a key component of Dhiraagu’s corporate social responsibility programme.
Through the event, non-governmental organisations working to protect children’s rights will receive opportunities to raise awareness, engage with communities and generate funds for their activities.
The Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race holds a prominent place in the country’s sporting history as the first international running event organised in the Maldives.
It is also included in the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) World Running Calendar and features a World Athletics-certified race route.
With its newly secured World Athletics ranking recognition and record participation, the 2026 edition represents another step towards establishing the Maldives as a destination for internationally recognised road-running competitions.
The growing popularity of the event also highlights increasing public interest in competitive running and recreational fitness across the country.
The latest milestone is expected to strengthen the event’s international profile while creating further opportunities for Maldivian athletes to compete in recognised competitions without travelling overseas.
