The annual Jumeirah Emirates Towers vertical marathon raised a record Dh280,000 yesterday for healthcare research in the UAE. It was the highest amount raised by the event, in its 12th year, and the first time all proceeds went to a local charity, the Al Jalila Foundation, as money raised had previously also gone to Medicine Sans Frontiers. More than 170 participants raced up the 52 floors of the Dubai landmark yesterday morning. Sulaiman Baharoun, fundraising manager of the foundation, said he hoped the organisation's partnering with such events would encourage the local population to become more active. The foundation is also one of the charity partners for the Dubai triathlon this month. Earlier this year it partnered with the Dubai Women's Run. "We are encouraging people to participate in sporting events and activities and live a healthier lifestyle. Being part of such events is important for awareness raising, not only about the foundation's work but about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle,” he said. The funds raised will be used to award grants for UAE-based medical research focusing on diabetes. In 2016 the foundation will launch its own research centre but before then, grants will be issued for students, Emiratis and expatriates, to carry out the research. The event attracted young and old of all nationalities in each category – team entrants and individuals. Paul Drury, 47, from the UK, was the overall winner, scaling the tower in just 9 minutes and 52 seconds. The sports performance and rehabilitation specialist was taking part for the second time. "This event is something really different,” he said. "It's great for the charity reasons, and also it's a different kind of challenge.” The fastest female runner, Vicki Matheson, reached the top in 12:36 and was shocked when she heard she was first. "I'm shaking,” she said after receiving her award. Cedric Betis, 38, works for Dubai Holding and has been on the winning team for the past seven years. He said the event had grown in popularity because it offered something different for the community. "It's very unique to be running vertically in such an iconic building as the Emirates Towers,” he said. Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, chief executive of Al Jalila Foundation, agreed. "The [vertical] marathon is a great way to bring people together to promote exercise and healthy lifestyle and at the same time fundraise for medical research, which is at the core of our nation's future prosperity.” He said such events offered vital support for the foundation's work. "Our intention is to fully understand diseases that have become severe issues in the region, as identified by Al Jalila Foundation's Scientific Advisory Committee; diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, mental health and obesity. Last week, we announced plans for the Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre, which aims to transform Dubai into a medical research hub. This is a long-term process that requires massive resources and we are thankful to all our supporters and donors.” Diabetes, which affects one fifth of Emiratis, will be a priority. "Early detection can lead to the prevention of the disease, which is why we will be dedicating a significant amount of the research to understanding it at molecular level. This will help us establish a method of prevention that is most relevant to the UAE and beneficial to the nation for generations to come.” Many local athletes have been showing their support. Seven ultra-marathon runners, led by Dubai Healthcare City partner Wendelin Lauxen, ran across the seven emirates for the foundation, as did Emirati athlete Jalal Bin Thaneya, who cycled more than 5,000 kilometres across the GCC to raise awareness of children with special needs, with a focus on the foundation's Ta'alouf programme. Source: The National