Zayed Charity Run 2024 Supports Quality of Life for Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abu Dhabi Media Office 

The 23rd Zayed Charity Run took place on November 23, 2024, in Abu Dhabi. The event was held under the support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region. The run started in the morning at the ERTH Abu Dhabi Hotel, and nearly 12,000 people took part in the event. Runners of all ages, including citizens and residents, joined the race, with prizes totaling AED 1.5 million.

Sheikh Yas bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan was there to start the 10km race for people with determination. Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the event’s organizing committee, was also present. They started the race with lots of excitement from the participants.

This year, the Zayed Charity Run raised money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The goal was to help people with Multiple Sclerosis live better lives. The money raised will support this important cause.

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In the 10km Handbike Race, Ayed Al Ahbabi finished in first place with a time of 21 minutes and 34 seconds. Saeed Al Dhaheri came second at 21 minutes and 35 seconds, and Theban Al Mheiri finished third at 21 minutes and 59 seconds.

In the 10km Premium Race, Gemechu Diriba won first place with a time of 29 minutes and 19 seconds. Berehanu Wendemu Tsegu finished second at 29 minutes and 21 seconds, and Chala Techo came third with a time of 29 minutes and 23 seconds.

In the 10km Paracycling Race for People of Determination, Abdulla Al Blooshi took first place with a time of 17 minutes and 36 seconds. Ahmed Al Bedwawi was second at 17 minutes and 39 seconds.

Badir Al Hosani won the 10km Wheelchair Race in 25 minutes and 13 seconds. Mohammed Othman came second at 25 minutes and 59 seconds, and Mohammed Vahdani finished third with a time of 30 minutes and 8 seconds.

In the 5km Premium Race, Ismail El Kharchi finished in first place in 10 minutes and 7 seconds. Chala Gudeta was second at 14 minutes and 8 seconds, and Feyisa Dejene came third at 14 minutes and 14 seconds.

Rachid Elyziouy won the 3km Special Olympics race in 12 minutes and 21 seconds. Khalfan Salah finished second in 13 minutes and 40 seconds, and Adil Ouadi took third place in 14 minutes and 40 seconds.

The race was open to everyone, and runners from many different countries joined in, including people from India, the Philippines, and Egypt. About 2,000 children from 115 schools also joined in. The oldest runner was 77 years old.

According to the Marathon Statistics Committee, 62% of the runners were male, and 38% were female. The largest group of participants came from the UAE, with 38%, followed by India with 14%, the Philippines with 7%, and Egypt with 4%.

Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi thanked Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed for supporting the event. He also thanked Sheikh Yas bin Hamdan for attending the race. He said the Zayed Charity Run shows the values taught by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, especially giving and helping others. This year, many Emirati runners joined in, showing the unity of the people in the UAE.

His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said that the Zayed Charity Run is an important event for charity and sports. The UAE continues to support charitable causes through events like these.

Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, a member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, thanked the organizers for supporting the society. She said this will help the society continue its work for people with Multiple Sclerosis.

The 23rd Zayed Charity Run showed the strength of the UAE’s dedication to helping others. The race raised money for people with Multiple Sclerosis and continues the legacy of kindness and generosity from Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This event brings people together to make a real difference.