More than 4,000 runners and Dh150,000 in prizes support medical and humanitarian initiatives.
Addis Ababa: The city hosted the inaugural Zayed Charity Run at Meskel Square over a 5km distance, attracting more than 4,000 male and female participants, including people of determination.
Large crowds gathered from early morning along surrounding roads and within the venue, engaging in a range of accompanying activities organised by the Higher Organising Committee in coordination with the local committee. The programme featured performances by the UAE’s Al Ayala troupe, which drew strong audience appreciation.
Competitions across categories for people of determination and elite runners saw strong participation and closely contested races in both men’s and women’s events.
The organising committee said total prize money of Dh150,000 added a competitive edge to the event while supporting its broader humanitarian objectives.
Winners were honoured by Mohamed Salem Al Rashdi; Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee; Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei; Mekiyou Mahammad Abadiga, State Minister for Sports Development; and legendary Ethiopian long-distance runners Haile Gebrselassie and Meseret Defar.
Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, also attended in support of the event.
Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi said the Zayed Charity Run continues its humanitarian mission with a new stop in Ethiopia, highlighting the strong turnout and organisation. He underscored the event’s role in supporting medical and humanitarian initiatives, reflecting the United Arab Emirates’s global commitment to charitable work.
He also expressed appreciation to the Ethiopian government, the Ministry of Sport, all supporting entities, and the UAE Embassy in Ethiopia for their contributions to the event’s success.
