emirates7 - The 2024 Zayed Charity Run, held on Saturday at Erth Abu Dhabi, attracted nearly 12,000 participants from around the world, further solidifying its status as the world’s leading "Run for Kindness." The event also drew thousands of enthusiastic spectators and contributed to a noble cause, with donations directed to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, an NGO focused on empowering individuals with multiple sclerosis through awareness, support, and the pursuit of a cure.
Among the participants, nearly 4,000 Emiratis joined runners from countries including India, the Philippines, and Egypt, exemplifying a global spirit of unity. More than 2,000 children from over 115 schools took part, with the oldest participant being 77 years old. The event also featured a competitive edge, with elite athletes vying for a share of the AED 1.5 million prize pool, awarded across various categories, distances, and age groups.
Sheikh Yas bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan officially started the 10km race, which was met with cheers from the crowd. Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, also attended the event. The run included a range of tracks, from a 3km family-friendly course to a 5km intermediate route, and the challenging 10km race for those pushing their limits.
Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi remarked that the Zayed Charity Run embodies the values of generosity, humanity, and unity instilled by the UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed. He expressed pride in the participation of over 11,000 runners, including an unprecedented number of Emiratis, coming together for a noble cause that impacts many lives. He also highlighted the importance of the run in fostering a sense of togetherness and sending a powerful message about collective action for a common good.
Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, described the event as the beginning of a series of successes for the charity run, both in the UAE and globally, while contributing to alleviating pain and suffering.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, expressed gratitude to the organizers for choosing the society as this year’s beneficiary. She also thanked the Authority of Social Contributions – Ma’an for its support and acknowledged the participants whose enthusiasm brought the event’s goals to life.
Among the participants, nearly 4,000 Emiratis joined runners from countries including India, the Philippines, and Egypt, exemplifying a global spirit of unity. More than 2,000 children from over 115 schools took part, with the oldest participant being 77 years old. The event also featured a competitive edge, with elite athletes vying for a share of the AED 1.5 million prize pool, awarded across various categories, distances, and age groups.
Sheikh Yas bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan officially started the 10km race, which was met with cheers from the crowd. Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, also attended the event. The run included a range of tracks, from a 3km family-friendly course to a 5km intermediate route, and the challenging 10km race for those pushing their limits.
Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi remarked that the Zayed Charity Run embodies the values of generosity, humanity, and unity instilled by the UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed. He expressed pride in the participation of over 11,000 runners, including an unprecedented number of Emiratis, coming together for a noble cause that impacts many lives. He also highlighted the importance of the run in fostering a sense of togetherness and sending a powerful message about collective action for a common good.
Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, described the event as the beginning of a series of successes for the charity run, both in the UAE and globally, while contributing to alleviating pain and suffering.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, expressed gratitude to the organizers for choosing the society as this year’s beneficiary. She also thanked the Authority of Social Contributions – Ma’an for its support and acknowledged the participants whose enthusiasm brought the event’s goals to life.