The Aloft Runs for Children (ARFC) ADNEC returns for another edition, and with every penny raised making a difference to children around the world, organisers are calling for people to take part in big numbers.
Taking place on Friday, September 5, the fifth edition of ARFC is open for adults and children with the 2km per lap run beginning and finishing inside the ADNEC exhibition centre, Khaleej Al Arabi Street in Abu Dhabi.
With three different categories – 6, 10 and 20km for both adults (from 09:00) and children (from 13:00), there is something for everyone regardless of your fitness abilities.
And if you want to compete within a team, then why not enter the relay event where up to 15 participants can take part?
There are also additional categories – the ‘fastest lap’ and ‘unlimited distance run’.
But more importantly, with it being a charity run in support of UNICEF, your participation will make a huge difference.
Michel Nader, general manager of Aloft Hotel Abu Dhabi, said: “The reason why we are holding this is simple. Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, through its Road to Awareness Campaign, aims to raise over $600,000 (Dh2.2 million) to benefit 3,500 school-going children and a further 21,000 community members in Somalia by providing safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
“And the Aloft Hotel Abu Dhabi is doing its share to help achieve this goal. We’ve donated over Dh140,000 over the past four editions since it began in 2010, to different causes in different countries – psycho-social support for children in Egypt, providing education to children in South Africa, providing school materials in Romania and building schools in Pakistan.”
He added: “We now hope to exceed the amount raised in the previous years, as the event has become very popular within the running community in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.”
And Nader is calling for people of all ages, especially those who want to get back into shape after their summer vacation, to participate.
He said: “This is a family event so you can run few kilometers and walk the rest. However, we do have athletes coming to prepare themselves for the bigger marathons around.
“Besides, it being the first indoor air conditioned competition run of the season for the Abu Dhabi and Dubai running community, the event is also a family and team fun event promoting a healthy lifestyle for a good cause.”
And anyone who does compete has a chance to win some amazing prizes.
Nader said: “We offer fantastic prizes for winners of each category and all runners will enter a grand prize raffle which will include trips, weekend breaks and stays in one of the many Starwood hotels around the world, dinners, health club memberships and many more.”
If you fancy taking part then register at www.premieronline.com where you can find more information on prices (which differ accordingly) and the event. Registration closes on September 4.
What: The Aloft Runs for Children ADNEC
Where: ADNEC exhibition centre, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi
When: Friday, September 5
Contact: Register by visiting www.premieronline.com
