Cancer Run 2026 Abu Dhabi Sets Guinness World Records For Most Nationalities In A Run

The Abu Dhabi edition of Cancer Run 2026 set a new Guinness World Records title for Most Nationalities in a Run, after 71 nationalities joined the event at Hudayriyat Island. Participants included cancer patients, families, community groups, and health supporters, highlighting shared efforts across the UAE to address cancer through awareness and active lifestyles.

Cancer Run 2026 is presented by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and organised by Plan b Group, with backing from Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The initiative now functions as an annual platform to encourage regular screening, general cancer education, and daily physical activity, supporting national aims for a healthier, more content population across the UAE.

The campaign also reflects recent Abu Dhabi steps on oncology, including announcements on research, awareness, and treatment programmes. These developments include opening a high-potency facility for manufacturing oncology drugs in the emirate. By connecting public events with clinical advances, organisers seek to keep cancer prevention and treatment in public discussions across diverse communities and age groups.

The Abu Dhabi run offered 1km, 3km, 5km, and 10km routes, so children, first-time runners, regular exercisers, and professional athletes could participate together. Hydration points and medical teams operated along the course to support safety. Route planning and support services aimed to keep the event accessible, while still allowing serious runners to test performance in a controlled environment.

Reflecting on the achievement, Dr. Harmeek Singh, Founder and Chairman of Plan b Group, said, "The Guinness World Records™ title aptly reflects what collective action can achieve. At Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi, we witnessed people from all walks of life come together to support a noble cause and express solidarity against an illness that not only affects patients, but also people around them."

The Dubai edition of Cancer Run 2026 is scheduled for 7th February at Dubai Festival City, supported by Dubai Sports Council. Organisers anticipate higher attendance and stronger engagement, building on momentum from Abu Dhabi. The series continues to focus on cancer awareness, public solidarity with patients, and promotion of early screening and active living across the UAE.

With inputs from WAM