Yas Marina Circuit is hosting all fun runners across the UAE for the annual Zayed Marathon on the 21st March. Dubbed "The day the UAE Runs', registrations for the charity running event are going fast and with more family entertainment on offer than ever, this is one event not to be missed.
Local government is coming together to stage the race, which is organised by the Armed Forces Officers Club in collaboration with Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, and organisers are encouraging runners of all abilities from beginners to more accomplished runners to sign up and get active with friends and family this year.
For the first time ever, the run is open to children with brand new 1K and 3K runs on offer. The 1K run is open to children aged 8-11 years and the 3K run is open to children aged 12-15 years and registration for children is free. This runs alongside the usual 5K and 10K runs which are open to everyone 15 years of age or over and the 5K "Hand Cycle" race for wheelchair competitors.
Top prize in the men and women's category for the 5K and 10K is Dh10,000, with Dh7,000 and Dh5,000 for second and third place respectively.
Registration is just Dh100 with all money going directly to support patients with kidney diseases. Donations can also be made online or on the day on the official web-site.
There is also more off-track family entertainment on offer than ever before, including music and entertainment at four key stages of the run to help spur runners on, including roaming acrobats, stilt walkers and circus performers, traditional Arabic and Western musicians, dance groups, henna art, a climbing wall, a kids arts and craft zone, bouncy castle and a bungee run.
Lt. General Mohammad Al Kaabi of the Armed Forces Officers Club, said, "The Day The UAE Runs is almost upon us, and we are delighted to be further honouring the memory of His Highness Sheikh Zayed. We would urge everyone to participate and help us to raise money for the Healthy Kidney Foundation. With a new children's course and even more entertainment on offer than ever before, this year will be a great day out for all the family to enjoy."
The Zayed Marathon honours the country's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, an avid supporter of kidney charities, and is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, said, "It is an honour to host this great event and be part of the Zayed Marathon for 'The Day The UAE Runs'. It is also fitting that it should be taking place at Yas Marina Circuit, an iconic UAE community venue."
Each competitor will receive a timing chip, finisher shirt, finisher medal and race number. Entrants must be at least 8 years of age.
A social media campaign will run alongside this year's event, and competitors are encouraged to post their best preparation stories on Instagram using the hashtag 'ZayedMarathon'. Everyone who posts will be in with a chance of winning return flights and accommodation for the Healthy Kidney 10K run in New York City on 30th May.
Competitors can register on the day at Yas Marina Circuit in the race village between 1 and 5p.m. without previous online registration.
Source: WAM