Dubai Women’s Run eyes record turnout
Seventh edition of annual race is fast approaching magical figure of 9,000 entrants in two races
The Dubai Women’s Run is targeting to cross a record 9,000 entrants when the seventh edition of the annual run is held at Marasi Business Bay today.
The 10-kilometre race has attracted nearly 3,000 athletes, while the 5km run has so far managed to get nearly 6,000 runners. “The target is to cross the magical figure of 9,000 participants,” Naveed Pirzada, the managing director and partner from organisers Plan b told Gulf News on the eve of the race.
Last year’s race records indicate that more than 4,000 runners from 52 nationalities participated. Of these, 23 runners belonged to the elite international category. “Lastminute registrations are still on and we expect to cross the 9,000 mark by the time we close at 10pm [on Thursday],” Pirzada added.
Held under the patronage of Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the UAE National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC), the Dubai Women’s Run is the first such initiative in the Middle East celebrating the spirit of the Arab woman. This year the event is being organised by Plan b with support from the UAE Athletics Federation (UAE AF) and Dubai Sports Council (DSC).
“Everything is on schedule for yet another successful race with athletes coming in through the day to pick up their race kits,” Liesa Euton, Race Director, said.
“We’ve got everything sorted out, except some last minute preparations at the venue. Hopefully, all this will be sorted out in due course of time through the day and we will be ready to host such a huge number,” she added.
Sponsored by Dubai Police, RTA, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Ambulance, Victoria’s Secret and Lialli Jewellery among others, the event will feature a dedicated Race Village with food and beverage, entertainment and health activities for the entire family at the venue along the Marasi Business Bay.
The Dubai Women’s Run has been associated with the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) while integrating itself with the foundation’s Orange Campaign that seeks to eliminate violence against women worldwide.