Dubai: More than Dh1 million was raised by runners who completed a 575km charity run across all seven emirates to support children with limb deformities.
The 12-day run, which was completed by the 7Emirates Run team in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation for medical research and treatment, ended on National Day at Dubai Festival City, where the runners were honoured for successfully completing the race and exceeding the initial Dh777,777 target.
The event was held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.
The 7Emirates Run team took off from Abu Dhabi on November 27 and ended on December 2 in honour of the UAE’s 43rd national Day.
Dr Abdul Kareem Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation told Gulf News that the foundation wanted to celebrate the 43rd UAE National Day in a different way by raising money for a good cause.
“More than Dh1 million were raised to help children born with deformed limbs. The funds raised will go towards providing those children with prosthetic limbs that will help them walk and even run.”
Al Olama said in its last edition only seven runners took part in the race to raise Dh100,000 to fund the surgeries and post-operative care for Sharjah toddler Mohammad Ayoub, who was suffering from limb deformities. “This year around 50 runners took part and raised more than a million dirhams. We are happy and proud of this growth.” Seven core runners covered the entire course, while seven other runners took part in a relay.
In the last category, participants took part in the special UAE National Day marathon, which was limited to 43 runners — symbolic of 43 years of the federation — on the last leg of the run from Sharjah to Dubai.
Emirati Abdullah Al Qasimi, 27, who took part in the 10km final run said he was happy to run for a good cause.
“I take part in marathons regularly and always make sure that I run for a good cause. I think it is great that they opened the registration to the public, so that they can be aware and take part in a good cause.
Emirati Ebrahim Hassan Hamadi, 27, who completed a 23km run from Kalba to Fujairah said it was the first time he had run in a marathon.
“Breaking the initial target on National Day made me twice as happy. It was great taking part in this cause and I am planning to take part in many more.”
