Dignitaries at the event.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of Sharjah Ladies Club, the 9th edition of Sharjah Ladies Run was successfully conducted on Saturday, January 20th, under the theme “Run into the Galaxy”.

The event was held at Shaghrafa Ladies Park in Sharjah and witnessed the participation of 300 ladies from 20 different nationalities, with 63% of the participants from the UAE.

In the 5km category, Latifa Cheliaoui won the first place, while Latifa Essarokh won second place and Noura Alkhalaf came in third. In the Emirati women’s category, Noura Alkhalaf claimed the top spot, followed by Huda Alnuaimi and Aysha Alhosani in the second and third place respectively.

Noura Alkhalaf displayed exceptional abilities for the second year in a row, clinching the first position in the Emirati category and securing the third position in the overall 5km race, following her achievement of coming in third place last year. Her success highlights the remarkable skills of Emirati women, which are visible in diverse fields.

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The winners were awarded by Khawla Alserkal, Director General of Sharjah Ladies Club, and Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chairperson of Sharjah Women’s Sports. Winners received prizes worth more than Dhs35,000, including gifts sponsored by Air Arabia and Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority among other entities.

In her closing remarks, Al Serkal stated, “This event’s success showcases the club’s efforts to emphasise the importance of sports, as well as cultivate a collaborative culture with both the public and private-sector organisations. It also reflects our commitment towards empowering women and girls, encouraging them to adopt healthier lifestyles – in line with of Her Highness’s vision.”

  The first three winners in the Emirati competitive 5km category.

She added, “As part of the club’s social responsibility, we also invited five cancer patients to be part of and compete in the run in partnership with FOCP.”

Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chairman of the Higher Steering Committee of the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST), extended her appreciation to Sharjah Ladies Club for their leading role in hosting the latest instalment of the Sharjah Ladies Run, emphasising the substantial impact such events have on local communities by promoting women's sports and aligning with Sharjah's dedication to supporting and advancing women's athletic ambitions and dreams.

Al Mahmoud added: "We invite all attendees and participants to actively champion women's sports, especially with the forthcoming 7th edition of the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST), the premier women's sports tournament in the Arab world. Taking place from February 2 to 12, 2024, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Women's Sports (SWS), the event is geared towards fostering excellence in women's sports. We encourage the public to empower women to engage in sports as a means of personal development, societal growth, and the cultivation of a healthy and well-rounded community."

Beyond the race, the day entailed multiple fun activities, including a fitness and warm-up session, as well as a dedicated area for healthy meals and drinks. To celebrate this year’s theme, there was an energetic Zumba session. The club's facilities participated by adding a service corner for the attendees.

Additionally, the club allocated an area to provide specialised health services to participants, in collaboration with the Health Promotion Department, Friends of Cancer Patients, Breastfeeding Friends, Friends of Kidney Patients, Friends of Arthritis Patients, and Friends for Diabetes.

This year’s event was sponsored by Sharjah Sports Council (Gold sponsor), Beeah Group, Shurooq (Silver sponsors), among other organisations and companies. The representative office of MOHAP – Sharjah served as the official medical partner of the event.

Established as a beacon for women's empowerment in the UAE generally and Sharjah specially, Sharjah Ladies Club stands as a distinct destination that supports women in different aspects of life, with a wide array of services including fitness, beauty and wellness treatments, hospitality, and leisure activities. It's dedicated to providing women and children with a safe and private environment to empower and support their development and nature their growth while caring for their entertainment, which goes side by side with the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of Sharjah Ladies Club.