ABU DHABI // Hundreds of runners who competed in the annual Zayed Marathon at Yas Marina Circuit yesterday helped to raise more than Dh700,000 for kidney research.
Oneil Villasin, 43, a Filipino who lives in Dubai and was competing in the 5-kilometre event, said there was no better reason to race than to give back to the community.
“It’s not actually the game, it’s about helping while you’re having your fun,” said Mr Villasin, breathless after his race.
“It’s great, really. That’s why we are here, to help this foundation of Sheikh Zayed. I think the essence of this competition is to really help others who are less fortunate.”
The day was organised by the Armed Forces Officers Club, with Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company.
It was started more than 10 years ago in memory of the country’s Founder, Sheikh Zayed, who had a kidney operation in the US and was an ardent supporter of kidney research.
International editions of the Zayed Marathon are held in the US and Egypt. The American race has raised more than US$36 million (Dh132.2m) in its 10-year history, said Ahmed Al Kaabi, head of government affairs for Yas Marina Circuit.
The Zayed Marathon in Abu Dhabi helps to unite the community while promoting a healthy lifestyle, said Mr Al Kaabi.
“It’s three in one – you come, you pay the charity, you help people who are in need of this money for research and development,” he said. “This is a fitness and community thing. It’s like a carnival.”
A pair of stilt walkers paced around the sidelines, while yola dancers and classical and modern musicians entertained from a central stage. A play area offered face painting, a large bouncy castle and rock-climbing wall for children.
But most of the hundreds of youngsters just seemed to want to run. For the first time in the event’s history in the capital, two races were added for children who were exempt from the Dh100 registration fee.
Runners aged between 8 and 11 could compete in a 1km race and children aged 12 to 15 could run 3km.
Christian Perry, 10, an American pupil at Brighton College, entered the 1km race with a positive attitude.
“I thought I was going to win,” he said after finishing first.
His three sisters, aged 8, 11 and 12, also took part in the races.
“I’m very proud,” said their mother, Fatima Perry. “They all play sports, they love it. They really enjoy it and it’s good exercise for them.”
Children were awarded medals for taking part and the top three men and women runners in the 5km and 10km races won Dh10,000, Dh7,000 and Dh5,000.
rpennington@thenational.ae
