Abu Dhabi: A strong pack of runners will be in the starting line-up for tomorrow's Zayed International race which has a total prize money of Dh1 million up for grabs.

The Zayed International Race, which will be held near the Cornice area, will see competitions in various categories. The event is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, and is being organised by the UAE Athletics Federation (UAEAF).

Major General Mohammad Al Kaabi, President of the UAEAF and the chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, announced in a press conference here on Monday that the race was growing in quality by the passing year.

"In the elite category we have a good entry list who will compete over the 10km distance which starts and finishes at the Emirates Palace Hotel," he said.

Samuel Tupa, UAE National Athletic team coach for middle and long distances, said three Kenyans and eight Tanzanians including one lady runner each have confirmed.

Kenyans Willy Mwangi, Samuel Kariku and K. Mercy and Tanzanians Paul Gotty, Issaya Kuti, Elisante Forro, Mohammad Musenduki, Pascal Mombo and Najma George are among those will take on a strong local challenge.

"The winner of the men's and women's event will get $10,000, with the second-placed runners getting $7,000 each and third $5,000," Al Kaabi added.

The race is being organised to honour the memory of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Under the guidance of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works and Chairman, Royal Jet, the executive flight services company will be sponsoring the race to further pay tribute to Shaikh Zayed. There will be four divisions boys and girls (13-15), youth (under-18), men's and women's (over 18) and one category for people with special needs.

"Shaikh Zayed was an inspiration to all of us, and we are truly appreciative of Shaikh Mansour's efforts to commemorate the life of our past leader," said Ammar Balkar, VP Sales & Marketing, Royal Jet.

Munira Safar, head of the media committee, Mohammad Al Dhahiri, director of the Abu Dhabi Education Zone and Dr Abdullah El Reyes, financial director and chairman of the Road Races Committee of the UAEAF were also present at the press conference.

The first race starts at 3.30 pm.