Dubai to host 5K run in October for women only

A women's five-kilometre run to be held in Dubai Festival City this autumn will be the first of its kind in the region. The run, scheduled to start on October 22 at 8.30am, will host women from across the region and is meant to be a social event that highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle. "Often women, with their many responsibilities at home and at work, hardly find any time for sports and fitness activities," said Ahmad al Kamali, the chairman of the UAE Athletics Federation, which is organising the event.

"The 5K Fun Run will help to bring Arab women to the forefront of sports and encourage them to include fitness activities in their daily routine." There is a cash prize for the winner and the event is open to females of all ages. Sahar Ahmad al Obad, an Emirati who plans on taking part, said the short distance would encourage women to join in. "It's for the sake of exercise and getting out there," she said. "I expect a lot of people will come since it's the sole women's only run and it gives them a chance to be there and try it."

The UAE Athletics Federation aims to increase participation in sports and improve Dubai's status as a sporting centre in the Middle East. Participants can register online at www.5kwomensrun.com. [e-mail]