Vertical World Circuit to open with Dubai Holding SkyRun
dubai — Dubai Holding, the global investment holding company, announced on Wednesday that its flagship fund-raising event, Dubai Holding SkyRun, will officially inaugurate the Vertical World Circuit 2017, a circuit of ten iconic cities around the world organised by International SkyRunning Federation.
The 15th edition of Dubai Holding SkyRun will be held on March 3 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers.
The oldest vertical run in the UAE is an official race of Dubai Sports Council and is rated fourstar by the council’s Sports Events Ranking System. The race will see participants conquer 52 floors comprising 1,334 steps or 265 metres of the iconic Jumeirah Emirates Towers. It attracts local sports enthusiasts as well as a number of internationally recognised elite runners. All funds raised by Dubai Holding SkyRun will be donated to its long-term partner, Al Jalila Foundation, in aid of its obesity research in the UAE.
Cedric Betis, chairman of Dubai Holding Wellness Committee, said: “2017 is a significant year for Dubai Holding as we celebrate two exceptional milestones; the 15th anniversary of Dubai’s flagship vertical race, as well as the 10th anniversary of the region’s first-of-its-kind corporate wellness programme. We are honoured to be opening the Vertical World Circuit, and we are anticipating another year of new course record. Dubai Holding SkyRun received an overwhelming response and the event was sold out in few weeks.”
He added: “We look forward to building on our progress from the past 10 years and we are proud to continue our contribution to our leadership’s vision of creating a happier, healthier and more active nation.”
Last year, the race welcomed over 360 participants, including five internationally renowned vertical runners; Emmanuel Manzi, Ignacio Cardona, Lenka Svabikova, Cristina Bonacina, and the course-record breaker for Dubai Holding SkyRun Piotr Lobodzinski. Participants also included UAE residents, wellness-focused corporates and Dubai Holding companies such as Jumeirah Group, TECOM Group and Dubai Properties Group led by Dubai Holding’s vice-chairman and managing director Ahmad bin Byat.
In addition to SkyRun, Dubai Holding has sponsored and supported a series of activities across the emirate. Last month, Dubai Holding concluded the first-ever home-grown obstacle race in the UAE, where nearly 3,000 participants were led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
In 2016, Dubai Holding SkyRun raised Dh114,850 for the Al Jalila Foundation.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com