Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi’s sustainable urban community Masdar City will host an estimated 300 runners this Friday for the ‘Environmental Marathon’ organised by Environment Friends Society.
Open to men, women, children and people of determination, the 3km road race is free to enter and perfect preparation for the Special Olympics XI MENA taking place in the UAE later this month. Every participant will be pledging their commitment to protecting the environment.
Dr Ibrahim Ali Mohammad, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Friends Society, said: “The marathon is open to school and university students as well as community groups, and government and private sector employees. We value Masdar City’s support of the Society’s goal to raise awareness in the UAE of the importance of protecting our environment.”
The race begins at 3.30pm from Gate 5 of Masdar City next to Khalifa City A. The runners will cross the finish line at Masdar Park, where food and refreshments will be on offer from each of the park’s eight outlets.
Yousef Baselaib, executive director of Sustainable Real Estate at Masdar, said: “Masdar City is proud to host the Environment Friends Society’s Environmental Marathon and to support our local community in Abu Dhabi. It is fitting that the race is taking place during the Year of Zayed, the UAE’s Founding Father, who was so passionate about environmental conservation.”
“The run is also great timing with Earth Hour just around the corner on March 24,” Baselaib added. “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Masdar City for a great day out of healthy exercise that also has an important sustainability message attached.”
This weekend’s run is part of a collaboration between the Environment Friends Society, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Masdar, Emirates Red Crescent, Emirates Transport, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Abu Dhabi Police, and Abu Dhabi Off-road Club.
The Environment Friends Society is providing free bus transport for all participants, with buses leaving Abu Dhabi Coop Mina Zayed to Masdar City from 2pm. To take part, send a WhatsApp message with their name and age to +97156 629 3121. Participants can collect their free marathon tee-shirt and number an hour before the race.
