Leading stakeholders of the UAE Government joined forces yesterday at Yas Marina Circuit to announce the launch of the Zayed Marathon 2015, the day the UAE runs together.
Held on 21st March, the race is organised by the Armed Forces Officers Club in collaboration with Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and SEHA, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company.
All of these large corporate and government agencies are supporting the run in order to foster healthier and fitter communities, a sense of inclusiveness among the UAE’s residents and to celebrate the country’s national identity.
It was also announced that registrations are now open for the annual event, which raises money for the Healthy Kidney Foundation, and is open to runners of all abilities, aiming to get members of the community fit and active by running together. All proceeds from the AED100 registration fee will go to the Healthy Kidney Foundation.
The Zayed Marathon honours the country's founding President, the late Sheikh Zayed, an avid supporter of kidney charities, and is held under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
Featuring a brand new pro-field category for more experienced runners, the Zayed Marathon is the only run in the region to offer a mixture of traditional UAE heritage and fitness and encourages runners of all abilities from beginners to the more advanced to get active and run together.
Two distances, a 10K and 5K run around the iconic F1 circuit, are open to participants of all ages and nationalities, and there is also a 5K "Hand Cycle" race for wheelchair competitors. There is a total prize fund of AED250,000 this year, with cash prizes awarded for first, second and third places in all events.
This year, for the first time, all entrants to the Zayed Marathon will have their BMI index and other data measured on site as part of the Yas Marina Circuit’s ongoing ‘Big Data’ health audit initiative to benchmark the UAE’s activity habits.
Lt. General Mohammad Al Kaabi, of the Armed Forces Officers Club, said "The Zayed Marathon seems to get bigger and better every year, and has become a key event in the Abu Dhabi health and fitness calendar.
"It’s a fantastic opportunity for people – whether they’re seasoned athletes or complete beginners – to come together for a great cause, have some fun and of course enjoy the fitness benefits. We are honoured to be continuing the work of Sheikh Zayed, raising money and awareness of the Healthy Kidney Foundation," he added.
Source: WAM