Addis Ababa hosts first Zayed Charity Run with over 4,000 participants
UAE and Ethiopian officials attend landmark humanitarian sporting initiative
DUBAI – Addis Ababa today hosted the first edition of the Zayed Charity Run at Meskel Square over a distance of 5km, drawing more than 4,000 male and female athletes, including people of determination.
The event marked a significant milestone in expanding the run’s global humanitarian mission.
Large crowds gathered from early morning along surrounding roads and inside the venue, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the race.
Zayed Charity Run
Participants and spectators engaged with a range of accompanying activities organised by the Higher Organising Committee in cooperation with the local committee. The programme featured performances by the UAE Al Ayala troupe, which received strong appreciation from the audience.
Competitions across categories for People of Determination and elite runners witnessed strong participation, with competitive performances recorded in both men’s and women’s events. The organising committee stated that prize money totalling Dh150,000 enhanced the competitive aspect alongside the event’s humanitarian objectives.
Winners honoured
Winners were honoured by Mohamed Salem Al Rashdi, Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Mekiyou Mahammad Abadiga, as well as legendary Ethiopian long-distance runners Haile Gebrselassie and Meseret Defar. Aref Hamad Al Awani also attended in support of the event.
Lieutenant General (r) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, said the Zayed Charity Run continues its humanitarian mission with a new stop in Ethiopia, highlighting the strong turnout and organisation. He noted the event’s role in supporting humanitarian and medical initiatives, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to charitable work globally.
He also thanked the Ethiopian government, the Ministry of Sport, supporting entities, and the UAE Embassy in Ethiopia for their contributions to the event’s success.