Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the 23rd Zayed Charity Run was held in Abu Dhabi on the morning of the 23 November 2024, kicking off from the ERTH Abu Dhabi Hotel. Nearly 12,000 runners, both citizens and residents, of all ages took part, scooping up total prizes amounting to AED1.5 million.
Sheikh Yas bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the event and set off the starting signal for the 10km Race for People of Determination, in the presence of Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, receiving an enthusiastic response from the runners.
The proceeds of the race this year were allocated to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, in line with its charitable and humanitarian goals.
Ayed Al Ahbabi finished first in the 10km Handbike Race for People of Determination, with a time of 21 minutes and 34 seconds, followed by Saeed Al Dhaheri in second place, with a time of 21 minutes and 35 seconds, and Theban Al Mheiri in third, with a time of 21 minutes and 59 seconds.
Gemechu Diriba won the 10km Premium Race, with a time of 29 minutes and 19 seconds, followed by Berehanu Wendemu Tsegu in second place, with a time of 29 minutes and 21 seconds, and Chala Techo in third, with a time of 29 minutes and 23 seconds.
Abdulla Al Blooshi won the 10km Paracycling Race for People of Determination, with a time of 17 minutes and 36 seconds, while Ahmed Al Bedwawi came in second place in 17 minutes and 39 seconds. Badir Al Hosani won first place in the 10km Wheelchair Race for People of Determination in 25 minutes and 13 seconds, while Mohammed Othman came in second place, in 25 minutes and 59 seconds, and Mohammed Vahdani finished third in 30 minutes and 8 seconds.
The 5km Premium Race saw Ismail El Kharchi winning first place in 10 minutes and 7 seconds, while Chala Gudeta came in second place, in 14 minutes and 8 seconds, and Feyisa Dejene finished third in 14 minutes and 14 seconds.
Rachid Elyziouy won first place in the 3km Special Olympics Category, with a time of 12 minutes and 21 seconds, while Khalfan Salah came in second place, in 13 minutes and 40 seconds, and Adil Ouadi ranked third, with a time of 14 minutes and 40 seconds.
The Charity Run enjoyed wide participation from citizens and residents, with around 4,000 Emirati runners joining those from several other countries, including India, the Philippines and Egypt. More than 2,000 children from about 115 schools participated. The oldest registered runner was 77 years old.
According to the Marathon Statistics Committee, 62 per cent of the runners were male, compared to 38 per cent for female. As for the nationalities with the highest participation rates, these were the UAE with 38 per cent, followed by India with 14 per cent, the Philippines with 7 per cent, Egypt with 4 per cent, Pakistan with 3 per cent, the United Kingdom with 2 per cent, and the rest of the nationalities representing various other countries at 32 per cent.
Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, said: “First, we extend our thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the event's sponsor. We also thank Sheikh Yas bin Hamdan bin Zayed for his presence and honouring us. The Zayed Charity Run is a true embodiment of the values that our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God bless his soul, instilled in us, of giving and humanity. This year was special by all standards, as we witnessed a wonderful celebration from all segments of society, with an unprecedented number of Emirati runners, who came together for a noble goal that touches everyone's hearts.
“We saw runners of all ages and abilities unite on this occasion, with the aim of making a real difference in the lives of others, and the Zayed Charity Run continues to promote the values of unity and solidarity, and remains one of the most prominent events on the agenda of Abu Dhabi and the UAE”
“Raising funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society reflects the great legacy of this event, not only in the positive impact it has on the lives of those who benefit from the support, but also in the powerful message it sends about what we can achieve when we are united, and this year’s success highlights why the Zayed Charity Run remains a symbol of hope and giving. We are proud to be part of this distinguished humanitarian journey and initiative.”
His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “The Zayed Charity Run in Abu Dhabi was the beginning of a series of successes for this major humanitarian sporting event, inside and outside the UAE, on the path of charity and helping patients and contributing to alleviating pain and suffering.
“The UAE, in accordance with the directives of our wise leadership, is making every effort to do more charitable and humanitarian work, and through sporting events, many of these goals can be achieved. The Zayed Charity Run remains at the forefront of these charitable and humanitarian events that receive attention and appreciation from citizens and residents of the UAE.”
Her Excellency Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Board Member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said: “I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the organisers of the Zayed Charity Run for their great support to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and for choosing the Society this year to be the beneficiary of the race proceeds, which reflects their commitment to enhancing humanitarian efforts and supporting the multiple sclerosis community in the UAE. I also extend my thanks to the Authority of Social Contribution Ma'an for their continuous support to the Society, which enhances our ability to achieve our goals. I commend the spirit of the participants in the race, who contributed with their enthusiasm and determination to achieving the noble and inspiring goals of the race for all of us.”
