Dubai: Following the success of the Dubai Marathon, plans are on to organise a five kilometre run exclusively for women on October 22.

The UAE Athletics Federation has taken the lead for the event and it will be held at the Mamzar beach side.

Speaking to Gulf News, Ahmad Al Kamali, the president of the UAE Athletics Federation, said: "We have been able to plan out for such an event because of the guidance and support of Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and we expect it be a great success."

"We have commenced registration for the event through our website www.5kwomensrun.com . Women can also register through any Fitness First locations. Entrance fee is Dh150. We have a reduction for Groups of 10 and that will be Dh100 each," he added.

"The initial response for the event is every encouraging especially from local women and we are pleased with the inquiries also from Government Departments. Many males have also been calling wanting to take part but unfortunately for them this is exclusively a ladies event," said Al Kamali, who got the idea of such an event based on the success of the Dubai marathon, which he has been organizing for over a decade.

"We have formed a body to lift the image of this race and for more information on the race and even sponsorship opportunities please contact Liesa Euton, marketing and communications director.

Co-sponsors

"Runners from across the region are expected to participate in this event and as a benchmark for all other future events of this stature, the 5km Women's Fun Run presents a fantastic opportunity to reach out to masses across the Middle East. As organisers of this unique project, we would like to invite women to be part of this in a special way," remarked Euton.

Elaborating on the plans, Al Kamali said: "We have asked Harley Davidson female Bikers to lead the route as well as asking the female members of Rotaract Club of Jumeirah to participate as Marshals for the Run. Co-sponsorship has been awarded so far to Reebok, Clarins, Khansaheb, UPS and supported by Red Bull. We will have Media Coordinator Pat Butcher handling the event, International Race photographer Victor Sailer and World renowned Race Director Peter Hier will take care of coordinating and putting the event together for us."

Inquiries

For more information on the event, contact Liesa Euton on 050 240-1292 or Email: liesaeuton@ 5kwomensrun.com