ABU DHABI: The UAE’s first cross-country ultra-marathon, the 7EmiratesRun (7ER), is back with runners of various nationalities, abilities and ages taking on the challenge.
Currently in its sixth edition, the run, which started in Abu Dhabi on November 18, will conclude in Hatta on November 24.
A charity sports event held in partnership with the Al Jalila Foundation, 7ER raises funds for life-changing surgeries and post-operative medical support for children born with limb deformities, through the foundation’s iMcan programme.
By the end of the run, participants will have covered 497 kilometres across the seven emirates.
“It is an exceptional sporting endeavour that draws people who are united in their passion for running and philanthropy. This year 7ER has attracted several participants from abroad. They include 65-year-old German runner Klaus Neumann, who has diabetes and is joining us for his 1,001st marathon,” said Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation.
International runners
The run is divided into full distance ultra-marathons and full distance relays. In addition, there are 2.5, 3 and 10 kilometre runs for the community. Among the international runners are German ultra-marathon runner Rainer Koch, double amputee Abdulmumin Yusuf from Nigeria, single amputee Luiz Pradines from Brazil and German Petra Steger who has a pacemaker.
Even for local residents, the run is very special.
“I started the run three years ago and am experiencing the UAE in a different way,” said Toni Metcalfe, an Abu Dhabi resident and mother of three.
Wendelin Lauxen, founder and director of 7ER, said the run is all about helping children get back on their feet.
“My mission is to run for help, health and fun,” said the athlete who had set the Guinness World Record in 2012 for completing a marathon in each of the seven continents in the fastest time.
