Dubai hosts world’s largest run

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Around 146,000 people converged on Sheikh Zayed Road today to take part in Dubai Run 2021, the world’s largest run.

The event was held on the closing weekend of this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), the citywide initiative of HH Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, which aims to make Dubai the world’s fittest city, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported. 

Inspired by the vision of its leadership, Dubai is the only city in the world to offer its citizens, residents and visitors an entire month of all-inclusive, free fitness events, including the Dubai Run, while also keeping the nation and its people safe and healthy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The city’s superhighway, Sheikh Zayed Road, was transformed into a giant running track for Dubai Run, as participants of all ages and abilities ran and walked at their own pace on 5km and 10km routes. 

The Run kicked off at the start line by the Museum of the Future. Passing some of Dubai’s instantly recognizable landmarks including Emirates Towers and Burj Khalifa, runners crossed the finishing line at Al Mustaqbal Street near Dubai World Trade Centre. 

The first route, stretching 5km, attracted families, fun runners and walkers, while the 10km route was completed not just by recreational runners but by some of the world’s leading middle-distance runners, including a team of elite Kenyan runners who have been taking part in several DFC events and activities. 

"As the Dubai Fitness Challenge reaches its closing weekend, it is inspiring to see the commitment of so many of our citizens, residents and visitors to their health and wellbeing. Running alongside 146,000 people who completed the Dubai Run today, I was moved by the strength of our community and see what we can achieve when we work together.

By turning out in such numbers for Dubai Run, we have shown the world that this is one of the greatest cities to live in, work in and visit; a city with an unassailable spirit and ability to achieve.

I’m immensely proud of every individual, government agency, business and organization that took part today, and in the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

I would also like to thank the organizers, government agencies 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" HH Shaikh Hamdan said.

With just one day left in the annual Dubai Fitness Challenge, participants will still have the chance to take advantage of DFC’s fun-filled event calendar, featuring an array of activities for fitness and wellness enthusiasts that celebrate inclusivity and diversity. Designed to encourage residents and visitors to live an active lifestyle outdoors during the cooler weather, everyone can still enjoy the three free Fitness Villages across Expo 2020 Dubai, Kite Beach and Mushrif Park, the Fitness Hubs dotted across communities within Dubai as well as free fitness classes.