The ADCB Zayed Sports City 5&10k sprints in to the capital this weekend, attracting people from all walks of life on Friday, March 7 2014 to pace their way through the capital’s premier sports venue.

Back for a third year in a row, the ADCB Zayed Sports City 5&10k has grown to become the UAE’s fastest growing race series, attracting runners from diverse backgrounds to take part for noble causes including charity fundraising and health and wellbeing. In its first year, 741 runners strode down Zayed Sports City’s revered race track, whilst last year the number of participants stood at 1,300. This year, Zayed Sports City anticipates the number to increase by a further 20% to 1,600 runners across the season.

“The ADCB Zayed Sports City run series has evolved to become one of the most diverse races in the UAE,” said Barry Bremner, General Manager at Zayed Sports City.

“Ages span six decades from 7 years old to 72 years old, and runners represent nearly 60 nationalities. The community has supported the event wholeheartedly and proven that it is never too early or too late to implement running as part of a healthy lifestyle.”

Organised by Abu Dhabi-based running club the Abu Dhabi Striders, the event has seen notable increases amongst locals and female runners in particular. 2012’s series welcomed just 13 entries from Emirati runners, whilst currently, double that number have taken part, with 30 locals lining up at the start. Interestingly, the number of female participants has increased by 124 per cent since the series’ launch.

H.E. Major General Obaid Al Ketbi, a regular fixture in the series, said:

“My team and I see that the ADCB Zayed Sports City 5 & 10 K runs are a great community initiative. It has been a very successful series that encourages all to come and run. We have benchmarked our performances and look forward to continuing to improve, along with all of the dedicated and casual runners. May this series continue to grow and help encourage improved levels of fitness among the citizens of the Abu Dhabi.”

The popular running series is also making an impact on the local community, with AED 50,000 raised for Abu Dhabi’s Special Care Centre and a further AED 20,247 for the Pink Caravan fund this year.

“We are extremely proud of the contribution our runners have made to the local community,” said race organiser Daniel Hughes of the Abu Dhabi Striders.

“As we continue to see more runners take part in our exciting event, we hope to raise even more much-needed funds for good causes.”

The 2014 ADCB Zayed Sport City 5 & 10k run series returns to Abu Dhabi on Friday 7 March 2014 at 7am. The next race will take place in October as part of the upcoming season.

For more information visit: www.zsc.ae or www.abudhabistriders.com  

We accept Guest Posts

Download the Dubai City Guide iPhone mobile app

DubaiCityGuide.com is owned and managed by Cyber Gear