Vertical Marathon helps raise Dh97,000 for underprivileged

DUBAI — Over 135 enthusiasts from all walks of life on Friday climbed the 52 storeys of the Jumeirah Emirates Towers (Office Tower) for a cause, raising Dh97,000 in the 5th Vertical Marathon (VM) organised by Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in cooperation with Red Crescent Society.

By A Staff Reporter

Published: Sun 27 May 2007, 8:42 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 4:28 AM

With a minimum pledge of Dh500 per person to support MSF’s missions around the world, Vertical Marathon proved to be an extremely challenging event for all participants who successfully climbed 52 storeys, striding over a total of 1,334 stairs.

Petra Jerejian, a woman who made it in 10 minutes 5 seconds received the award for the fastest runner this year.

For Amit Mulani, every step, took him close to a child in distress and instilled in him the realisation of the difficulties faced by the unfortunate who have to struggle to find some food for survival. “I could have just donated the amount directly to MSF, but I wanted to feel the pain and experience the challenges faced by the underprivileged in their fight for survival so took up the Vertical Marathon challenge,” disclosed Amit, enjoying a hearty breakfast after accomplishing his mission successfully.

First-timer Ritesh said he liked the new challenge introduced by MSF to raise funds for the poor and the needy.

For UAE nationals, Noura, Jumana and Alia, students of Sharjah Women’s College who raised some Dh7,000 from a group of SWC students, “the climb was not easy. But, we were determined to reach the top and do our college proud.”

Belgian national Geoffrey, a student, expressed the hope of participating in such marathons in the future. “The experience is memorable and I hope to repeat it again next year.”

While, the organisers and volunteers roughed it out ensuring everything went off as planned without mishaps, a sumptuous breakfast spread and a jazz band entertained the guests throughout the challenge.

“Thankfully, we had no problems and almost everyone successfully reached the 52^nd floor of the Emirates Office Tower,” said Chrystel Kidwell, Events and Public Relations Incharge of Médecins Sans Frontières

“We were very happy this year to welcome runners from Sharjah Women’s College, Herbert Smith, Clifford Chance, Tecom, Dubiotech, DubaiStudio City, Unilever, Canucks (our Winner), Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Village, les Marmottes, Universal American School and all the individuals who took part.”

“The idea of the event first came from Nic Woodthorpe-Wright, one of our volunteers, and the VM was organised for the first time in 2002,” said Kidwell, expressing her thanks to the Red Crescent for all their support.