Abu Dhabi: ‘The Day the UAE Runs,’ the annual Zayed Marathon, held in honour of late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan will be held at Yas Marina Circuit on March 19 from 2pm to 9pm.
The race is organised by the Armed Forces Officers’ Club in collaboration with Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, SEHA (Abu Dhabi Health Services Company). All these organisations are working in partnership again to support 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.
Total prize money of Dh88,000 is up for grabs, with cash prizes awarded for first, second and third places in all adult categories. Each competitor will receive a race number, timing chip, finisher shirt, and finisher medal.
The registration for the event is open and the proceeds of the fee will go to SEHA (Abu Dhabi Health Services Company) for health diseases prevention, of which Shaikh Zayed was an avid supporter.
There are two distances around Yas Marina Circuit, a 10K and 5K run, as well as a 5K “Hand Cycle” race for wheelchair competitors. Young runners will be invited to compete in the 1k and 3k Kids run, while a strong line-up of experienced athletes will feature in the ProFIELD event.
“Of all the fantastic sporting events in the UAE throughout the year, the Zayed Marathon stands out as the run for the people. The donations made will be used to treating Hepatitis and other diseases. There can be donations made through sms and donations can be done at the venue of the event,” Lt General Mohammad Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AFOC said in a press conference on Monday.
“It’s an opportunity for friends and families to enjoy a fun day out, to get fit and healthy, and to honour the legacy of Shaikh Zayed by supporting a cause of providing treatment to diseases related to such as kidneys where the cost can go very high. We had events in US and Cairo as well and the response was tremendous,” added Al Kaabi.
To help people prepare for the big day and to support all entrants, Yas Marina Circuit has organised a free-to-join training schedule. Starting on February 13, the six-week programme features runs at Yas Island Parkland North, Mushrif park, Zayed Sports City and Al Bateen on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays respectively. There will even be specialised training clinics for kids.
Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, said he was delighted to see the return of the Zayed Marathon and urged everyone from children and first timers to regular athletes to register while places remain.
“Yas Marina Circuit hosts numerous events that encourage the community to lead an active lifestyle, and the Zayed Marathon is undoubtedly one of the most special. We are proud to host it for the third time. It has a feel good atmosphere that’s hard to match and you really feel a sense of people’s pride in the UAE,” said Al Ameri.
