By Luke Tyson

(Reuters) -At Dubai’s newest racecourse, the finish line is just past the food court.

On Aug. 1, the city launched the Dubai Mallathon: a month-long fitness initiative that converts familiar commercial spaces into indoor running paths every day of August.

Nine of Dubai’s malls – including one of the world’s largest, the Dubai Mall – are opening their doors early at 7 a.m. this month to welcome walkers and runners, offering a cool alternative to outdoor exercise during the peak of summer heat.

On weekdays, it is a casual, go-at-your-own-pace vibe. But come Saturdays and Sundays, the Mallathon kicks into high gear with formal 2.5-kilometre (km), 5-km, and 10-km races – complete with medals, prizes and bragging rights for top finishers.

“The response from all classes of soc

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