Zayed Charity Run Arrives In Rio De Janeiro For Its Second Stop Of The 2025-2026 Season

The Zayed Charity Run is making its South American debut in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday, October 5, as part of the 2025–2026 season. This follows a successful event in Beijing, China. The run will feature thousands of participants competing over 5 km and 10 km distances, including around 200 from the UAE and over 250 international delegations.

Proceeds from the Rio event will benefit Rio Solidario, a major Brazilian non-profit organisation. This group collaborates with government and community bodies to aid vulnerable children, women, and families. The initiative aligns with the run's mission to foster compassion and empower disadvantaged communities.

The Zayed Charity Run began in Abu Dhabi in 2001 and has since expanded globally, uniting communities through sport and humanitarian efforts. Unlike typical sporting events, it aims to make a direct positive impact on host societies. The Rio edition signifies a key milestone in this worldwide journey.

Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, stated: "Hosting the run in Rio de Janeiro is an exceptional and important step in reinforcing our global mission, as we continue to share the values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, of giving and human unity. We reaffirm our commitment to the success of this journey, which has become a symbol of solidarity among nations."

The event will receive extensive coverage from Emirati media and notable content creators. This highlights the UAE’s humanitarian presence internationally. Organising this edition after impactful past events showcases the Emirati initiative's ability to connect continents through sport for positive change.

Since its inception 24 years ago in Abu Dhabi, the Zayed Charity Run has evolved into a global humanitarian movement. It inspires hundreds of thousands worldwide beyond being just a sporting event. To date, it has raised over USD 172 million across 39 editions with more than 613 thousand participants.

A Season of Diverse Global Routes

The current season features a varied global route: after Rio de Janeiro, events will occur in Abu Dhabi on November 29, Cairo on December 26, Miami on January 30, 2026, concluding in Budapest by May 2026. This continues its mission of spreading hope worldwide.

"Dedicating the proceeds of this edition to Rio Solidario reflects the true spirit of the run as a bridge of human connection and a platform for spreading compassion and hope across societies," Lt. Gen. Al Kaabi added.

This season’s events invite everyone to participate in fostering unity through sport while supporting charitable causes. The Zayed Charity Run remains true to its identity as "the kindest run in the world" and honours Sheikh Zayed’s enduring humanitarian legacy.

The Emirates Red Crescent supports this edition alongside Al Habtoor Group and NORINCO. Their partnership underscores their shared dedication to promoting Sheikh Zayed's legacy year after year across generations.

With inputs from WAM