Walk 2016, the 10th annual walkathon, will this year be held at Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on Friday, November 11, 2016. The event will be under the patronage of HH Sheikha Fatimabint Mubarak, hosted by Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, and supported by the Health Authority, Abu Dhabi.
The event attracted more than 21,000 participants in 2015 and is set to be even bigger this year.
It will feature a number of activations, events, competitions, celebrity participants and entertainers from across Abu Dhabi’s communities, including music, jugglers and yoga instructors at the beginning of the 5.5km Yas Marina circuit course.
More activities will also follow the Walk, from bouncy castles, badminton and football games to stage entertainment with a DJ and Prizes such as fitbits and the latest sportswear up for grabs throughout the day.
The campaign aims to bring people together and spread the word on how a simple exercise such as walking, can form a part of a healthy, active lifestyle which, when combined with a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy body weight, could help prevent, manage and even reverse diabetes.
Over 20,000 people are expected to take part in #Walk2016 TOMORROW! We can't wait to see you there!#Walkon#WalkforLife
— DiabetesUAE (@Start_Walking) November 10, 2016
Suhail Mahmood Al Ansari, chairman of Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, said: “We are founded on being a community resource and making an impact in the country we serve in a holistic way that looks at all aspects of diabetes and healthcare.
“The Walk is a key embodiment of everything we stand for.
“Exercising is crucial to everybody, living with or without diabetes, and as little as 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity activity, such as walking, at least five times a week will keep your health in check, as well as reducing the risk of diabetes-related conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure.”
Gates open at 2pm and the Walk will begin at 5pm. Tickets are AED10 to enter [free to children under 16] and more information can be found at http://www.diabetesuae.ae/.
