Hundreds take part in walkathon

Hundreds of residents took the 'first' step towards a healthier life yesterday by participating in a Walkathon organised by the Emirates Cardiac Society, Hoffman La-Roche, Dubai Media City and the Department of Health and Medical Services.

"I feel great," said 59-year-old Chris Bennington. "This is a fun way to make people aware that exercise, in whatever form, is good for you."

A large number of men and women took part in the walkathon. The weather also was perfect and it was not muggy for the walkers who followed a 5km loop around Dubai Media City, starting at 9.15 in the morning.

The Walkathon is part of the World Heart Day celebrations in the UAE and aims to promote a healthier heart.

It highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle. Special health tests were offered where body mass index measurements were taken for overweight and obese.

Advice was offered on maintaining a healthy weight at special health camps manned by the Xenical team.

The Diabetes Society of the Emirates Medical Association was also on hand to highlight the problem of diabetes and people were seen taking free blood sugar tests.

A similar walkathon was held at the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi last week. Yesterday's Dubai Walkathon even attracted participants from the Dubai Police Officers Club, who are also promoting a healthier lifestyle through Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Sports and Physical Fitness Programme.

The Roche-DMC Walkathon, which is supported by Oasis Water, Free96.7 and a newspaper, raised money through the event for several local charitable organisations, including Emirates International Centre in Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Autism Centre and the Friends of Cancer Society.