Key government stakeholders join forces to get the country running together in huge show of community spirit on March 21st
Registrations now open to runners of all abilities for popular community race in aid of Healthy Kidney Foundation
Key government stakeholders join forces to get the country running together in huge show of community spirit on March 21st
Registrations now open to runners of all abilities for popular community race in aid of Healthy Kidney Foundation
Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, March 4, 2015: Leading
stakeholders of the UAE Government joined forces yesterday at Yas
Marina Circuit to announce the launch of the Zayed Marathon 2015, the
day the UAE runs together.
Held on 21stMarch, the
race is organised by the Armed Forces Officers Club in collaboration
with Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Health
Services Company.
All of these large
corporate and government agencies are supporting the run in order to
foster healthier and fitter communities, a sense of inclusiveness among
the UAE’s residents and to celebrate the country’s national identity.
It was also announced
that registrations are now open for the popular annual event, which
raises money for the Healthy Kidney Foundation, and is open to runners
of all abilities, aiming to get members of the community fit and active
by running together. All proceeds from the AED 100 registration fee will
go to the Healthy Kidney Foundation.
The Zayed Marathon
honours the country's founding President, H.H. Sheikh Zayed, an avid
supporter of kidney charities, and is held under the patronage of Sheikh
Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Presidential Affairs.
Featuring a brand new
pro-field category for more experienced runners the Zayed Marathon is
the only run in the region to offer a mixture of traditional UAE
heritage and fitness and encourages runners of all abilities from
beginners to the more advanced to get active and run together.
Two distances, a 10K
and 5K run around the iconic F1 circuit, are open to participants of all
ages and nationalities, and there is also a 5K “Hand Cycle” race for
wheelchair competitors. There is a total prize fund of AED 250,000 this
year, with cash prizes awarded for first, second and third places in all
events.
This year, for the
first time, all entrants to the Zayed Marathon will have their BMI index
and other data measured on site as part of the Yas Marina Circuit’s
ongoing ‘Big Data’ health audit initiative to benchmark the UAE’s
activity habits. The information collected will add to the existing
knowledge base for use in future health planning strategies in the
emirate.
Lt General Mohammad Al
Kaabi, of the Armed Forces Officers Club, said “The Zayed Marathon
seems to get bigger and better every year, and has become a key event in
the Abu Dhabi health and fitness calendar.
“It’s a fantastic
opportunity for people – whether they’re seasoned athletes or complete
beginners – to come together for a great cause, have some fun and of
course enjoy the fitness benefits.
“We are honoured to be continuing the work of Sheikh Zayed, raising money and awareness of the Healthy Kidney Foundation.”
Spectators at this
year’s race are in for a treat too, with a lively programme of
entertainment away from the track to keep the whole family amused. This
will include free children’s activities, food and beverage stalls and
live performances from Arabic and Western artists.
Each competitor will receive a timing chip, finisher shirt and race number. Entrants must be at least 15 years of age.
Runners can enhance
their race preparations by signing up for the hugely popular training
programmes held at the weekly TrainYAS and GoYAS sessions.
A social media
campaign will run alongside this year’s event, and competitors are
encouraged to post their best preparation stories on Instagram using the
hashtag #ZayedMarathon. Everyone who posts will be in with a chance of
winning return flights and accommodation to the Healthy Kidney 10k in
New York City on 30th May.
Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, urged as many people as possible to sign up for the Zayed Marathon.
He said: “We are
pleased to welcome the return of the Zayed Marathon to the circuit. We
are huge advocates of leading a healthy and more active lifestyle and
the Zayed Marathon is a great way for members of the local community of
all ages to get motivated and enjoy a fun day out.”
