Abu Dhabi: More than 600 runners took part in the final edition of the ADCB Zayed Sports City five and 10-kilometre Run Series at Zayed Sports City on Friday.
The race, which is now in its fourth year and which is presented by Activelife, has seen a 26 per cent increase in attendance over the previous series, organisers said.
Mohammad Al Matar set the pace in the 5K event, recording a time of 17.14, while Mary Miller was the fastest woman over the same distance, with a time of 19.20. Janez Maroevic (34.30) and Christina Kersey (40.26) won the 10k run in the men’s and women’s categories.
Emirati runner Osama Saeed Ahmed, who took third place in the 5K event in a time of 18 minutes and 11 seconds, said: “Running is in my blood, I am addicted to it. On the days when I don’t have anything going on, I wake up, put on my shoes and go.
“I like that when I run, I don’t think of anything else at all. My mind switches off and I focus on my stride only.
“I see young athletes and it’s good they are doing something other than Playstation. I see them with their mums and it makes me want to do the same with my kids - bring them for the run and cheer for them.”
The final action of the ADCB Zayed Sports City 5&10k Run Series was the presentation of a cheque for Dh77,500 from the organising committee to the event’s charity partner, the Special Care Centre in Abu Dhabi.
For further information and to view full race results, visit www.premieronline.com.
