Marathon to mark Year of Zayed

Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi Ports will host a 327km ultramarathon in honour of the UAE's late founding father.

The UAE has pledged to dedicate all 365 days of 2018 to honour the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, as part of the Year of Zayed.
Now, Abu Dhabi Ports has announced that it will host a 327km ultramarathon in honour of the UAE's late founding father.
To support the Rahma Cancer Patient Care Society, the Rahma Run will cross through three major ports in Abu Dhabi.
Dr Khaled Al Suwaidi will be leading the marathon on February 3 from Fujairah Terminal. He will then pass through Khalifa Port and finish at Zayed Port. He will be the first Emirati to run from the UAE's east coast to west coast. The Rahma Run will also be supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Police, NMC Healthcare, Reviv, Agthia and Cryo Abu Dhabi.
On Wednesday, when the announcement was made, Abu Dhabi Ports employees joined Dr Al Suwaidi in a 2km 'fun run' to show their support for the cause. Captain Mohammed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said it has actively sought opportunities to give back to the community.
"This partnership with the Rahma Run is an initiative that we are proud of. The Year of Zayed follows in the footsteps of the UAE's founding father, whose noble deeds for supporting the needy all over the world are well known."
For Dr Al Suwaidi, the run is important for many reasons. "I made a commitment to changing my lifestyle, for my own sake and that of my family's, after being diagnosed as pre-diabetic and weighing 125kg three years ago. In the UAE, we all need to consider both regular exercise and good nutrition."
Attempting to run over seven back-to-back marathons, Khaled's run will help inspire more people to live healthier lives. His coach, a physiotherapist, a paramedic and a chef will accompany Dr Al Suwaidi on his route and will travel in an RV on the 327km route, supported by two safety cars.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi