400 workers, professionals run marathon together in Dubai

Dubai - The Dubai Police prepared the race track by closing roads in Muhaisna and Sonapur temporarily.

Over 400 workers and professionals from around 20 countries participated in an early morning marathon organised near the Sonapur labourers' accommodation on Friday.
The third edition of Labour Run, organised by Team Sports UAE, was held under the supervision of the Dubai Sports Council, the UAE Athletic Federation, the Roads and Transport Authority and the Dubai Police.
The race in two categories, 10km and 3km, brought together multinational labour force and professionals.
The Dubai Police prepared the race track by closing roads in Muhaisna and Sonapur temporarily. 
"This year too, we could bring together between 400 and 500 participants for the Labour Run. Around 300 labourers, including men and women, have registered for the event and many of them got medals and trophies in various categories. A victorious day for all the participants because everyone was a winner here," said Mehrunniza from Team Sports UAE, which conducts activities with a broader mission to bring the labour community close to sports.
"Run ..so that they can run," was the tagline for the third Labour Run campaign, which was supported by the Community Development Authority (CDA) and Pakistan Association of Dubai (PAD).
"This is the third year I am taking part in the Labour Run. We are happy to be associated with this year's race too," said Shafiq, in charge of sports activities at the PAD.
More than 50 employees of Majid Al Futtaim, working in various properties like the Mall of Emirates, City Centres and Carrefour have won prizes.
Paul Dear, an Australian who won first prize in the 10km category, said: "I am excited to become a winner and I dedicate this trophy to my team mates Localca, Dusty and Ted."
Rita Morales, a female safety officer with DNATA Safety team was among those who got a trophy. "We have been practising for this marathon for a week. I used to go to gym, but nowadays I can't attend gym. Such events give us a chance to get refreshed and rejuvenated."
Mohan Das, manager with Future Pipes won first prize in the 50s age category. He said: "Ever since I got online registration and instructions for the event, I have been looking forward to this day of victory."
"I did not know that such an event is happening behind my labour accommodation in Sonapur. I would have taken an off and participated if I knew about it earlier," said Raymond, Filippino resident of Sonapur.
- sathish@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai