Abu Dhabi: The Zayed International Marathon, the richest of its kind in the world with total cash prizes of Dh10 million, is not only about money, it is also about love and loyalty.
And while a handful of professional runners have come especially to win the race and the $300,000 cash prize for the champion in men and ladies competitions, thousands of inhabitants, both national and expatriates, old and young, abled and disabled, ministers, showbiz personalities, famous footballers and students will take part in the race just to revive the memory of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE.
Turning point
The huge portrait of Shaikh Zayed at the entrance of the Breakwater area, where the Marina Mall is located, will be the turning point for the race while leaving the starting point. It will be ideal the participants will pay tribute to the leader.
All the races, for children, disabled, open race and professionals, will start behind the Marina Mall, with the children's event starting at 2:30 pm for 3 km. The Professionals' race, for 21 kms will follow at 3:30 while the disabled and the open races, for 6 kms, will start at 3:45 pm. The finishing line will be at Emirates Palace Hotel
The Corniche Road will be closed in the afternoon as the professional race will be till Port Zayed and back to the finishing line and spectators are advised to take their places earlier in the day.
Loyalty
The marathon, though a sports event, is also a festival of loyalty. Local poet Ali Al Khawar has written a poem for the occasion which will be read out in the festivities that will be held at the finishing line with the participation of many local singers.
"The marathon has achieved great success in the past few years and has become a sports and social event. We are happy with the response of both the locals and expatriates who really showed their love to our late leader," Major General Mohammad Hilal Al Kaabi, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, said in a press conference on Tuesday.
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