Zayed Charity Run 2023 Kicks Off Tomorrow With Over 10,000 Participants Supporting Multiple Sclerosis

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 23rd Zayed Charity Run will commence at 7:00 AM tomorrow from Erth Abu Dhabi. Over 10,000 runners of diverse ages and nationalities will participate. The event aims to raise funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, with a prize pool of AED1.5 million equally divided between Emirati and international winners.

The run's organising committee has confirmed that all preparations are complete for the event, ensuring it continues its legacy of supporting charitable causes. Inspired by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's vision, the event embodies humanitarian values under H.H. Sheikh Hamdan's patronage. Lt. General (Retd.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi highlighted the global significance of this event.

Since its inception in the early 21st century, the run has become a leading charity event, supporting humanitarian causes by providing medical equipment and financial aid to patients and hospitals. It has raised awareness across various locations: Abu Dhabi since 2001, the United States since 2005, and Egypt since 2014. Total donations have reached AED638 million.

The race will begin with a 10km event for people of determination, followed by a professional race five minutes later. At 7:07 AM, the 5km professional race starts, followed by open registration races at intervals until the final 1km race at 8:00 AM. The winners' ceremony is scheduled for 9:00 AM.

The statistics committee reports that males make up 62% of participants, while females account for 38%. The largest groups come from the UAE (38%), India (14%), and other countries like the Philippines (7%) and Egypt (4%). Participants from Pakistan (3%) and the UK (2%) also join, with others representing various nationalities worldwide.

The organising committee announced that race packet distribution began on Tuesday at Earth Hotel Abu Dhabi with high participant turnout. Parking and shuttle services are available at Wahat Al Karama from 4:00 AM to 5:30 AM and Zayed Sports City from 4:00 AM to 6:30 AM. Roads will close to traffic at 6:00 AM.

Entertainment and Community Engagement

A fan village will be set up alongside the event featuring performances by bands such as the Abu Dhabi Police Band and an African Drumming Band. Interactive signature walls, a children's play area, face painting, and food stalls will also be available. Organisations like Sheikh Khalifa Medical City will have booths at the event.

Lt. General (Retd.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi emphasised cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to ensure a high-level event execution. Efforts by committees and partners aim to preserve its rich legacy since its inception in 2001 under UAE leadership guidance.

The run has expanded internationally to New York in 2005 and Egypt in 2014, promoting awareness of medical research globally while alleviating patient suffering through its charitable mission.

With inputs from WAM