Dubai Run: Hamdan leads the way
Crown Prince interacts with runners as Dubai Fitness Challenge turns Sheikh Zayed Road into a massive running track
Asea of people assembled early on Sunday morning on Sheikh Zayed road to take part in the most anticipated event of the ongoing Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) - the Dubai Run. And the occasion was made all the more memorable for the fitness conscious crowd when they found that joining them was the man who gave the call for the DFC himself — Dubai's beloved Crown Prince.
Incredible excitement and determination were on display on Sheikh Zayed Road early yesterday morning as residents spotted Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, stretching and limbering up before the run.
There were squeals of delight as he joined more than 193,000 fitness enthusiasts of all ages, skills
and abilities in the fourth edition of the Dubai Run, the world's largest free fun run. He shook hands with some of the runners and smiled at others. Some runners said they came to the fitness event to catch a glimpse of Sheikh Hamdan.
“Oh my God! I am so, so, so happy. I saw Fazza," said UAE resident Sajna Abdulla. "It was a dream come true moment for me."
She gushed: "I had just finished physiotherapy for my knee and my doctor advised me not to run. But I have never missed a Dubai Run because when Sheikh Hamdan calls
you to run, you run. So I had taken special permission from my doctor who asked me to only walk. Now, it feels worth it because I saw Fazza for the very first time in my life. He is really friendly, shook hands with the people next to me. He smiled and waved at me. He is my inspiration.”
Dubai's lifeline, Sheikh Zayed Road, turned into a running track for fitness enthusiasts as hundreds of residents of all ages converged on it, decked in running gear and the fluorescent green T-shirt of the event. The expressway was closed to traffic at 4am for the runners, who included people of different abilities and of determination.
The fourth edition of the Dubai Run offered runners two routes: a 10km route and a 5km one. Both gave a once-a-year chance to run on the iconic Dubai road. The 5km route, suitable for runners of all ages and abilities, began near the Museum of the Future, passed the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera, and ended near the Dubai Mall. The
10km route, meanwhile, followed Sheikh Zayed Road to the Dubai Canal, then returned towards the Trade Centre before ending on Al Mustaqbal Street near DIFC.
Families came in huge numbers, along with their young ones, early in the morning. Among them was a man who came with his six grandchildren. “I have lived for 73 years, and I did not realise how they passed. I request everyone to spend quality time with their family in such activities, so the memories remain with the young ones.”
Fitness enthusiasts with prosthetics were also present. Mohammed Hammadi from Syria came along with his friend Bashar. Hammadi lost his leg in an accident but that did not prevent him from reaching his fitness goals.
“Many participants asked me how I do it. I told them that if they are determined to accomplish something, nothing will stop them. With this prosthetic leg, I have covered the run's 5km distance," Hammadi said.