Registration is now open for the second edition of the 7EmiratesRun that begins next month, where your participation will make a huge difference.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the event is in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation.
The 12-day run, which takes place across the seven Emirates, will start on Friday, November 21 in Abu Dhabi and conclude on Tuesday, December 2 in Dubai, covering an overall distance of 575 kilometres.
The event’s main aim is of raising funds to help disadvantaged children in the UAE get back on their feet and you can take part in the run individually or as a team. There are four categories to choose from. In category one, participants can run the entire 575km course; while in category two, you can be part of a seven-member team relay.
Category three is for those who want to run on any individual days; either the full course or partial, while you can also apply to be one of the 43 runners to participate on the UAE National Day marathon.
Last year a total of Dh100,000 was raised for Sharjah toddler Mohammed Ayoub, who was suffering from limb deformities. Today, he is able to walk with prosthetic support thanks to the funds raised. And this year, organisers want to raise Dh777,000 to support more children in the UAE with similar disadvantages.
Race director Wendelin Lauxen, who is also managing director of Dubai Healthcare City-based German Limbtech (which is one of the sponsors) has called for more people to compete.
He said: “The 7EmiratesRun team is back this year with much stronger determination and support. We have expanded the categories and there is something for everyone. Running across the seven Emirates is an incredible feat.
“We will run for the pure joy of running, to promote a healthy lifestyle and to raise awareness for children in need. We are excited to welcome runners for the last leg from Sharjah to Dubai to celebrate the forty-third UAE National Day. The course has been designed to give runners a chance to explore the beauty of the country on foot through its varied landscape. ”
Speaking of the event, Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “The expansion of the 7EmiratesRun and the support we have received reflects the significant impact that government bodies, corporates, foundations and members of the community can have on people’s lives when they all come together.
“Such events help generate the support we depend on to fund our medical education, research and treatment programmes. More importantly, they help cultivate a culture where health is the utmost priority, which in turn, supports our vision to position UAE in the forefront of medical innovation.”
Dr Ahmed Sharif, director general of Dubai Sports Council, is pleased to be supporting the event. He said: “The UAE witnesses hundreds of sporting events throughout the year, and we welcome 7EmiratesRun as a key annual event in the busy sports agenda. We are keen to support the success and continuity of this event, and are delighted to be partners alongside Al Jalila Foundation in this mission.”
To register or for information about fees, visit www.7emiratesrun.com.
What: 7Emirates Run
Where: Across the UAE
When: From Friday, November 21 to Tuesday, December 2.
Contact: www.7emiratesrun.com
