Abu Dhabi Cancer Run 2026 sets new Guinness World Record with 71 nationalities
Hudayriat Island hosts record-breaking awareness event with global participation
ABU DHABI – More than 4,500 runners from 71 countries gathered at Hudayriat Island on Sunday morning as Abu Dhabi’s Cancer Run 2026 achieved a Guinness World Record for the most nationalities participating in a cancer awareness run event.
Presented by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and organised by Plan B Group, the early-morning event brought together families, survivors, professional athletes and first-time runners in a show of global solidarity. The record surpassed the Guinness World Records benchmark of 50 nationalities, marking a first for the category.
Held on 1st February, the run began at 6am and featured multiple distance categories, welcoming participants of all ages and fitness levels. Kenyan drummers, live DJs and animated mascots created a festival-like atmosphere as runners took to the course, many wearing race shirts and carrying personal messages of support. The event focused on encouraging regular cancer screening while highlighting the collective role of families and communities in supporting patients.
New Guinness World Record
The Guinness World Records achievement was verified on site by official adjudicator Hanane Spiers, who personally oversaw the verification process. Participants’ identities were physically checked to ensure eligibility under record guidelines. While organisers had anticipated participation from 78 nationalities, only verified runners were included in the final count, resulting in an official total of 71.
“The record is for the most nationalities in a cancer awareness run event,” Spiers said. “There was no previous record, so a minimum requirement of 50 nationalities was set. After verification, 71 were confirmed.” She described the event as a standout, noting that community-based records centred on social causes represent the highest standard of record-setting.
Survivor voices
Among those on the course was Dr Sonia Haboub, a cancer survivor who completed the 3km category while running alongside children and young girls. Diagnosed with early-stage uterine cancer at the age of 25 during a routine check-up in London, she underwent surgery just days later. At the time, she said, cancer was rarely discussed openly, particularly among women.
Weeks after surgery, limited to walking during recovery, she began jogging short distances. Running, she said, played a critical role in helping her cope with post-traumatic stress and depression. Since then, she has remained committed to using sport as a platform for awareness and inclusion. On race day, her focus was not speed, but companionship and shared experience.
Running alongside her was Mungai Kirogoi, a Kenyan long-distance runner and co-founder of Swara Elite Running Club, who finished on the podium in the 10km category. Kirogoi said his running journey began during the Covid-19 period and credited community support for helping him transform his lifestyle. He described the Abu Dhabi event as the largest and most energetic crowd he has encountered.
Cancer Run 2026
The run’s organisers emphasised that the initiative extends beyond patients alone. Dr Harmeek Singh, Founder and Chairman of Plan B Group, said the event was designed to highlight the wider impact of cancer on families and loved ones. He shared that his own mother survived cancer following early detection 18 years ago, an experience that shaped his commitment to awareness campaigns.
Dr Stephen Grobmyer, Institute Chief of the Cancer Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said the diversity of participants reflected both the UAE’s multicultural society and the universal nature of the disease. He noted increased participation and energy compared to previous editions, describing the event as a demonstration of what collective action can achieve.