Dubai: The stage is set for the first ever 5km women's run organised by the UAE Athletics Federation. The run will commence at 8am tomorrow at the Al Mamzar Beach.
"This is the start of an event which will go on to become an international event," said Ahmad Al Kamali, President of the UAE Athletics Federation.
"We have already received over 800 entries and women are still registering to participate in the run. We are delighted by the huge response," he told Gulf News before announcing event through a colourful function at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel yesterday.
Speaking at the function, Kamali said: "The idea to stage the 5km women's run emerged after the we saw nearly 1,500 women take part in the 10km run of the Dubai Marathon. I then decided that there should be an event exclusively for women," said Kamali, who is also the General Co-ordinator of the Dubai Marathon.
The idea of a 5km run immediately received the 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.
Peter Hier, the Race Director of the event, who has flown in from England will supervise the run. "Having close to 800 entries for the ever run itself is a great foundation. The UAE Athletics Federation's vision to attract women into running is laudable. I am sure Dubai will replicate the Casablanca 5km run in which over 20,000 women take part."
Elaborating on the race, Kamali said: "The line up time for the run is 7.30am and will start from the Sharjah side of the Al Mamzar beach and end near the Al Mazar restaurant close to the mosque."
Though the date for the registration had ended, due to the large demand runners can still register at Al Bustan Rotana Hotel from 9am to 9pm and collect their t-shirts and badges.
Fitness initiative
Mark Greiner, the General Manager Sales and Marketing of Reebok, who are one of sponsors of the event, said: "We are backing this event to give something back to the society. It is a great initiative to ensure fitness among women."
Kamali also explained the aim behind UAE Athletics Federation in staging this event.
Details
- Name of event: First annual 5k women's run
- Line up time: Friday, October 22, 2010 at 7.30am
- Start time: 8am
- Venue: Al Mamzar Beach
- Start: Sharjah side of Al Mamzar Beach
- End: Al Mazar restaurant near Mosque
- Registration closes: Today 9pm at Al Bustan Rotana Hotel
