Sheikh Hamdan is overwhelmed by the dedication of the thousands of participants who raise the bar on health and wellbeing.
Incredible excitement and determination were on display at Dubai’s iconic Sheikh Zayed Road this morning as Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, led more than 193,000 fitness enthusiasts of all ages, skills, and abilities in the fourth edition of Dubai Run, the world’s largest free fun run.
Presented by Mai Dubai, the once-a-year Dubai Run is one of the key highlights of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), the citywide initiative of Sheikh Hamdan. The annual DFC aims to transform Dubai into the world’s most active city.
Thanks to its leadership, Dubai is the world’s only city to offer its citizens, residents, and visitors a month of all-inclusive, free fitness events, making it an even happier, healthier, and fitter city. More than 146,000 runners participated in the Run last year.
This year, over 193,000 participants from all walks of life joined the fourth edition of Dubai Run, transforming Sheikh Zayed Road, the city’s superhighway, into a giant running track.
The Run was flagged off from the starting line near the Museum of the Future, with a sea of enthusiasts dressed in neon green colours running or walking at their own pace on the 5km and 10km routes. Both routes went through the heart of the city, passing by some of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks.
Sheikh Hamdan said, “As Dubai Fitness Challenge approaches its final week, it is inspiring to see the commitment of so many of our citizens, residents and visitors to their health and wellbeing. Running alongside over 193,000 people who completed the Dubai Run today, I was moved by the strength of our community and seeing what we can achieve when we work together.”
I’m immensely proud of each and every individual, government entity, business and organisation that took part today, and in the Dubai Fitness Challenge. I would also like to thank the organisers, government departments led by the Events Security Committee, partners and everyone who contributed to the success of Dubai Run – a truly remarkable event and a day to remember.”
Designed to encourage residents and visitors to live an active lifestyle outdoors during the cooler weather, everyone can still enjoy the two free Fitness Villages at DP World Kite Beach and RTA Last Exit Al Khawaneej, the Fitness Hubs dotted across communities within Dubai as well as free fitness classes and events. For more information, visit www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com.
Only in Dubai: Hordes of enthusiasts dressed in neon green colours take part in the unique run.
WAM