Zayed Charity Run concludes Budapest debut with over 1,000 participants in attendance
Competitive categories in Hungary featured strong performances across all divisions
ABU DHABI/BUDAPEST – The Zayed Charity Run has concluded its first edition in Budapest, bringing together more than 1,000 participants and marking its debut in Europe as part of its wider global humanitarian expansion.
The event underscored the UAE’s vision of using sport as a platform to promote solidarity, generosity and social impact across borders.
Held in the heart of the Hungarian capital, the initiative welcomed runners of all ages and backgrounds, reinforcing its inclusive spirit through multiple race categories.
Zayed Charity Run
The Budapest edition featured 3km, 5km and 10km race categories, designed to encourage participation from both amateur and experienced runners.
The event also saw corporate engagement, with Al Habtoor Group supporting the initiative through the participation of 12 employees, highlighting workplace involvement in community-driven causes.
Against the city’s historic backdrop, the run combined sporting activity with a message of cross-cultural unity and shared humanitarian purpose.
Winners
In the 10km category, Kennedy Kimutai Kaptila won the men’s division, followed by Hillary Kiptum Maiyo Kimaiyo in second place and Vásárhelyi Máté in third. In the women’s division, Valentine Jebet secured first place, with Vindics-Tóth Lili Anna and Gerlai-Perjés Noémi completing the podium.
The 5km men’s race was claimed by Palkovits István, followed by Kalász Bertold and Said Abdullah Ali Alalawi. In the women’s category, Jecinta Mwende Kamau took first place, ahead of Vastag Nóra and Bozsó Tünde. The 3km open category saw Acsádi Bence finish first, with Szemerei Levente and Kiss-Soós Hunor rounding out the top three positions.
A total prize pool of Dh70,000 was awarded during an official ceremony recognising the winners across all categories.
The event also included an online charity auction featuring artwork by Emirati artist Abdulla Lutfi, with proceeds alongside race revenues directed towards charitable initiatives in Hungary. Organisers confirmed that the initiative continues to strengthen its philanthropic impact through such community-driven contributions.
Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, said the Budapest edition represented an important milestone in its international journey, reflecting the UAE’s belief in the power of humanitarian initiatives to connect cultures and communities. He added that the continued expansion of the run carries forward the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, emphasising unity and meaningful global impact.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EDGE Group, noted that the initiative reflects shared values of generosity, compassion and solidarity, alongside technological and industrial capability on the global stage.
The event was supported by partners including the UAE Embassy in Budapest, Erth Abu Dhabi, EDGE, Emirates, Al Habtoor, Emirates Red Crescent, The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Yettel, MBH Bank, Master Good, 4iG, Hodler Asset Management, Miell Group, Waberer’s, VOSZ, 383 The Kopjary Water, MVM, Mogyi, BioTechUSA and Etele Plaza.