Abu Dhabi: The Zayed Charity Marathon 10K, established under the patronage of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will be held in Cairo on December 5 to raise funds and create awareness for the Children’s Cancer Hospital 57375.
The third race of the series is expected to attract over 50,000 participants. Total prize money for the event is 1 million Egyptian pounds (Dh512,158). Similar events were successfully organised in New York and Abu Dhabi earlier this year to help thousands of needy people to help meet expenses for the treatment of kidney problems.
Speaking about the event, Lieutenant General Mohammad Al Kaabi, chairman of the board of directors of the Armed Forces Officers Club, said, “UAE has always provided aid to all those in need around the world. After the success of Zayed Charity Marathon in New York City and Abu Dhabi, we are looking at raising awareness and funds to support life-saving programmes. We received several requests to raise funds and provide care for children with cancer in the 57357 Hospital in Egypt.”
Hospital 57357 is the first of its kind in the Middle East and the largest children’s cancer hospital in the world that offers treatment to cancer patients free of charge. The hospital currently has over 20,000 cancer patients and around 8,000 children under treatment.
The hospital currently has around 185 beds and the objective of the charity event is to increase that capacity to 300 beds. There are also plans to open a new branch in Tanta City in Al Gharbia province of Egypt that can accommodate up to 60 cancer patients.
The 10-km race will be held in different categories such as the main race for men and women, the general race for men and women. There will also be categories for youngsters below the age of 17 years and individuals with special needs. Winners for each group will be awarded cash prizes.
An entertainment village on the sidelines of the event will showcase national heritage besides hosting sponsored activities to educate and entertain spectators. There will also be live performances from Arabic and Western artists.
