60 thousand participants in the tenth edition of the Zayed Charity Race in Egypt
Giza, December 26 / WAM / The activities of the tenth edition of the Zayed Charity Race, which was held in Sheikh Zayed City in the Giza Governorate in the Arab Republic of Egypt, concluded this morning, amid an unprecedented public turnout and a record participation of 60,000 male and female contestants from various categories, both straights and people of determination, in a humanitarian and sporting spectacle that reflects the established status of the race as one of the most prominent charitable and sporting initiatives in the region, under the slogan “We Run to Help.”
The tenth edition of the race witnessed remarkable momentum and distinguished organization, which embodied the continued success of this event since its inception, and consolidated its noble message that combines sports and humanitarian work, as the proceeds from the race were allocated to support a number of projects and humanitarian agencies, most notably government dialysis centers, along with the Egyptian Food Bank, for the “Rayan Misr” project, which is concerned with digging wells, establishing fish farms, and providing sustainable sources of food and water, which contributes to improving the quality of life for the first families. With care in various governorates.
The starting signal for the race was given by Lieutenant General (M) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the race, His Excellency Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports, and His Excellency Hamad Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt, in the presence of His Excellency Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, Mohammed Haji Khoury, Director General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Humanitarian Foundation, and His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Assistant Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
The race witnessed wide participation from various ages and categories, as competitions were divided into multiple tracks and categories, designated for straight people and people of determination, which reflects the organizing committee’s keenness to promote the principles of inclusiveness and equality, and provide the opportunity for everyone to participate in this major humanitarian event, which has become an annual platform for spreading the culture of giving, volunteering, and community work.
The organizing committee for the race allocated financial prizes amounting to 20 million Egyptian pounds, from which 10,000 male and female winners benefited, including 7,000 from the normal category and 3,000 from people of determination, in a step that reflects the amount of support allocated to stimulate participation and consolidate the social and humanitarian dimension of the race.
The first-place winner in each category received a prize of 100,000 Egyptian pounds, while the second-place holder received 80,000 pounds, and the third-place holder received 70,000 pounds, amid a festive atmosphere that reflected the spirit of honorable competition and joy in achievement.
The results of the race resulted in Yasser Al-Shashoui winning first place in the men’s category for a distance of 10 km, Haitham Adel in first place in the professional category of people of determination for a distance of 5 km, Muhammad Hassan Hasabi Al-Nabi in first place in the amateur category of people of determination for a distance of 5 km, Ruqayya Al-Muqeem in first place in the women’s category for a distance of 10 km, Amira Khairy in first place in the category of professional women of determination for a distance of 5 km, and Malik Hussein in first place in the women’s category of people of determination for a distance of 5 km. Amateur women of determination for a 5-kilometre run.
Lieutenant General (M) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi expressed, in a statement, his great happiness with the great success achieved by the tenth edition, stressing that the record participation of 60,000 male and female competitors represents a clear message about the status of the race in the hearts of Egyptians, and their confidence in its noble humanitarian message. He said that this large turnout reflects the spirit of interdependence and solidarity that brings together the people of the Emirates and Egypt, and embodies the depth of the fraternal and historical relations between the two brotherly peoples, which are based on cooperation, love and joint work for the sake of Goodness.
He added that the Zayed Charity Race will continue its humanitarian journey, inspired by the principles and values established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, in spreading goodness and extending bridges of aid and love to various countries of the world, stressing that the organizing committee is keen to develop the race in every edition, and enhance its humanitarian and development impact in a way that contributes to supporting the most needy groups and improving their quality of life.
Al Kaabi congratulated all the winners, praising their high sportsmanship, and at the same time appreciated the efforts of the volunteers, partners and sponsors who played an essential role in the success of the event.
His Excellency Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei stressed that the Zayed Charity Race represents a pioneering model of joint humanitarian work, and reflects the UAE’s commitment to its consistent approach to supporting charitable and development initiatives inside and outside the country. He explained that the humanitarian return of the race contributes directly to supporting vital projects that affect the lives of thousands of families, especially in the areas of health, food and water, noting that the partnership with the Egyptian authorities enhances the effectiveness of these efforts and ensures that support reaches those who deserve it efficiently and sustainably.
He said: On the sidelines of the Zayed Charity Race 2025, the Emirates Red Crescent is offering one million dirhams as a gift to the Egyptian people, specifically directed to the health sector to support the purchase of medical equipment and devices for Al-Demerdash Hospital for treating children, and 500 thousand dirhams to the National Oncology Institute to purchase medical devices and supplies.
In turn, Dr. Ahmed Al Qubaisi praised the great success achieved by the tenth edition of the race, stressing that this event has become a shining mark in the process of joint humanitarian and sports work between the Emirates and Egypt. He said that the broad participation and distinguished organization reflect the depth of the good relations between the two brotherly countries, and embody a common vision based on using sports as a tool to spread the values of goodness, tolerance and cooperation, noting that the Zayed Charity Race has become a comprehensive platform for various segments of society, and a renewed message of hope for the families who benefit from its humanitarian projects.
Mohammed Haji Khoury stressed that the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Work is proud to support the Zayed Charity Race and its ongoing initiatives, because of their tangible impact in improving the lives of the most vulnerable groups. He explained that directing the proceeds from the race to sustainable projects, such as the “Rayyan Misr” project, reflects a strategic vision that focuses on empowering communities and providing long-term solutions in the areas of water, food, and health, in line with the Foundation’s mission and humanitarian goals.
The activities of the tenth edition of the Zayed Charity Race were concluded in an atmosphere of joy and pride over the success achieved, and an emphasis on continuing this humanitarian approach in future editions, thus enhancing the race’s status as one of the most prominent charitable and sporting events in the region, and a lasting message that sport is capable of being a bridge of giving and cooperation between peoples.
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