The countdown begins in Huairou, a district of Beijing, as the Great Wall Marathon and the Zayed Charity Race are set to return on September 27. Approximately 15,000 participants from China and around the globe will take part, including 100 runners from the United Arab Emirates.
The event marks its second consecutive year in the picturesque Huairou area, integrating sports, humanitarian work, and cultural exchange, thereby strengthening the enduring ties between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China.
UAE Delegation and Participation
A comprehensive Emirati delegation is slated to attend, featuring a number of athletes, members of the organising committee of the Zayed Charity Race, as well as officials and media representatives. This robust participation underscores the UAE’s dedication to supporting sporting and humanitarian initiatives while enhancing its presence at this international event.
The marathon programme includes a full marathon of 42 kilometres and a half marathon of 21 kilometres, drawing competitors of various nationalities. This occasion will showcase a blend of athletic competition and community interaction, reinforcing values of generosity and collaboration.
Humanitarian Focus
The humanitarian aspect of the event will be highlighted during an upcoming visit on Saturday by representatives of the Zayed Charity Race to Huairou Hospital, where they will meet the hospital’s management. Notably, 50% of the race proceeds have been earmarked to support the hospital and contribute to quality services for the local community.
Event Highlights
The day-long programme on September 27 will commence with an opening ceremony featuring a performance by a traditional “Ayyalah” dance troupe, followed by the playing of the national anthems of the UAE and China, before the races officially begin.
Lieutenant General (Ret.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Zayed Charity Race organising committee, remarked that each international edition of the race represents a journey conveying a humanitarian message that transcends mere athletic competition. He stressed that the race embodies the spirit of giving and community support, with its return to Huairou affirming the continuity of this mission and its human impact.
Commitment to Humanitarian Causes
His Excellency Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, noted that the Authority’s involvement in the Zayed Charity Race extends its mission to support initiatives blending humanitarian efforts with community engagement, effectively amplifying the reach of Emirati philanthropy beyond national borders.
He stated that the Zayed Charity Race carries a name that epitomises the enduring humanitarian values established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to aiding those in need, no matter their location. Participation in the Great Wall Marathon and the Zayed Charity Race reflects a belief that humanitarian work knows no geographic limits and that sports serve as a powerful platform to promote solidarity, empathy, and connection among communities.
Lastly, the allocation of a portion of the race proceeds to bolster Huairou Hospital exemplifies the tangible impact of this initiative, transforming the athletic participation into a meaningful contribution to the local community. It also fosters friendship and communication between the Emirati and Chinese peoples, enhancing the shared values of cooperation and generosity between the two nations.
Collaborative Efforts
This event is a collaboration between the Huairou Municipal Government, the Beijing Athletics Association, the Regional Sports Bureau, in partnership with the Zayed Charity Race, and with support from the Embassy of the UAE in Beijing. Several Emirati institutions, including Abu Dhabi Heritage, LEMAD, EDGE, Mubadala, Emirates Airlines, ADNOC, and the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, are also providing crucial backing for this notable occasion.