Sponsored by Hamdan bin Zayed…a great success for the 24th edition of the Zayed Charity Race with the participation of more than 10,000 competitors.
ABU DHABI, 29 November / WAM / Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the 24th edition of the Zayed Charity Race was held in Abu Dhabi today, where athletes, families and friends from various groups gathered in the Oasis of Karama all the way to the Erth Abu Dhabi Hotel, in one of the most prominent community sporting and charitable events in the world.
Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued the start signal for the race, announcing the start of the event that carries a message of giving and humanity.
More than 10,000 participants arrived, starting from young children who were having their first experience, all the way to elite athletes and children of the nation’s martyrs, whose presence embodied a tribute to the memory of their fathers who sacrificed their lives for the nation, in addition to the participation of the Chinese and Brazilian delegations, who had participated in the previous two editions in China and Brazil, which added a global dimension to the event and its humanitarian messages.
A total of prizes amounting to 1.5 million dirhams were distributed to the first winners in all categories.
Along the route, participants had the opportunity to enjoy watching a number of Abu Dhabi’s most famous tourist attractions, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Zayed Sports City arenas, and the Oasis of Karama.
Since its first launch in 2001, the Zayed Charity Race has attracted more than 613,401 participants around the world, consolidating its position as one of the most prominent sporting movements with the most influential humanitarian message in the world.
Throughout the morning hours, the Race Village at the Erth Abu Dhabi Hotel was filled with a vibrant festive atmosphere, as families enjoyed entertainment shows for children, food and beverage stands, heritage displays, and interactive games, as well as photo opportunities that reflected the spirit of joy on National Day over the weekend.
Fans lined up along the track, waving UAE flags, encouraging the participants and enthusiastically cheering for everyone who crossed the finish line, from the first-time participants to the athletes of determination who embodied strength, determination and persistence.
Lieutenant General (M) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Zayed Charity Race, said: We are proud to host another exceptional edition of the Zayed Charity Race, which brings together our community and mobilizes its efforts to support noble medical causes.
He added: The enthusiasm and generosity that was demonstrated today reflects the deep-rooted spirit of compassion that characterizes our nation, and each participant in the race contributed to the development of innovative research at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center, as well as supporting the well-being and health of our community.
He said: The widespread demand for participation this year reflects the extent to which the values of giving and solidarity are deeply rooted in the conscience of people of different ages and backgrounds. It is truly inspiring to see so much dedication and commitment towards a cause that enhances the future of healthcare in the UAE.
His Excellency Arif Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: Today’s participation embodies the power of sport in uniting our society and upholding the values of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “may God rest his soul,” in giving, as the race continues to embody Abu Dhabi’s vibrant, comprehensive spirit committed to giving and humanity.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Bone Marrow Transplant Program at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center, said: We express our deep gratitude for the support we received at the Zayed Charity Race this year.
She added: The proceeds from the race will go towards supporting our efforts to develop pioneering stem cell treatments, expand the scope of clinical research, and improve patient outcomes throughout the UAE. This event brings real hope to patients and their families, and we thank the community for standing with us.
For their part, the winners in the various categories of the race expressed their happiness at participating in this inspiring humanitarian event and standing on the podiums, stressing that carrying a race logo bearing the name of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “may God rest his soul,” is a great pride for everyone and a supporter of giving.
In the most prominent results of the race, Emirati runners excelled in various categories, with Obaid Al Nuaimi, Abdullah Suroor, and Saleh Al Suwaidi topping the male category, respectively, in the 10 km race, and in the same race for women, Velma Leandre topped, followed by Ruqaya Al Marzouqi, and then Alia Al Shamsi.
In the female 5 km category, Hessa Al Jasmi topped, then Maryam Al Shamsi was runner-up, then Shouq Al Balushi came in third place, and in the same race for the men’s category, Saeed Al Nuaimi topped, then Saif Al Alawi, then Amer Al Ali.
In the male 3 km category, Saud Al Zaabi topped, followed by Rashid Alwan, then Hamad Al Badawi, and in the same female category, Hamda Al Ali topped, then Noura Al Ghafli, then Mahra Jassim.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter
