Today, the Great Wall Marathon in Huairou, Beijing, commenced, alongside the Zayed Charity Run, attracting over 15,000 participants from various ages and nationalities. Among them were 100 runners from the United Arab Emirates, showcasing the event’s prominence as a global celebration of sport and humanitarian efforts, embodying the values of cooperation and giving associated with the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace.
An Inspiring Display of Athleticism and Humanity
The day featured both a half marathon of 21 kilometres and a full marathon spanning 42 kilometres, witnessing strong participation from runners within China and worldwide. The event underscored the potential for sports to enhance communication and connection among people.
The Great Wall Marathon in Huairou and the Zayed Charity Run stand out as the largest sports event in the Beijing area, marking the depth of athletic and cultural ties between the two nations. The race holds an A1 classification by the Chinese Athletics Association and has dedicated 50% of its proceeds to support Huairou Hospital, thereby transforming the spirit of athletic participation into a tangible and lasting humanitarian impact for the local community.
Collaborative Efforts Behind the Event
This event is organised through a partnership between the People’s Government of Huairou District in Beijing, the Beijing Athletics Association, and the district’s Sports Office, in collaboration with the Zayed Charity Run, with support from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Beijing. Leading Emirati companies have also sponsored the event, including Abu Dhabi Legacy, Liamaad, Edge, Mubadala, Emirates Airlines, ADNOC, and the Emirates Red Crescent.
Winners of the Race
In the marathon, Ling Hailong claimed first place in the men’s category, followed by Mi Long in second and Yang Jinchi in third. For the women, Fang Guanguangxia took the top spot, while Xiao Guo came second and He Yanjing secured third place.
Turning to the half marathon, Li Haozong finished first in the men’s division, followed by Zhou Chongjia and Jin Huangfei in second and third, respectively. The women’s category saw Lamawji take first place, followed by Li Yanling in second position and Hong Yanfang in third.
A Lasting Impact
At the conclusion of the event, Major General (Retd) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, President of the Zayed Charity Run’s organising committee, reflected on the success of the 2026 edition in Huairou, which he said exemplified the race’s ability to transform sport into an effective platform for change that extends beyond the finish line. “What we achieved in Huairou this year surpasses mere athletic and organisational success; we observed thousands of participants come together for a common humanitarian purpose, turning their involvement in the race into a genuine contribution to community service,” he stated. “This is the impact we strive to establish at every stage of the Zayed Charity Run; an impact that lingers after the race concludes, fostering connections among communities and instilling values of giving and solidarity.”
Al Kaabi went on to express pride that the name of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, remains a beacon for initiatives that unite people around the values of giving and humanitarian work. He added, “Each step taken by participants carries a meaning that goes beyond competition into serving humanity. The Huairou edition this year demonstrated how sport, when paired with a clear humanitarian message, can evolve into a powerful force that broadens the scope of giving, fosters closeness among communities, and creates a lasting impact beyond the finish line.”
A Bridge Between Nations
In a related statement, Khalid Al Shahi, Chargé d’Affaires at the UAE Embassy in the People’s Republic of China, noted that selecting Beijing as a venue for the race is a sincere expression of the deep bilateral relations between the UAE and China. He remarked, “Through this event, held at the Great Wall of China, one of the most significant landmarks of human civilization, we are adding a new bridge to the ever-growing network of relations between our two countries, a bridge that spans across sports, culture, and humanitarian work.”
Al Shahi emphasised that the Zayed Charity Run in China exemplifies a distinctive model of harnessing sports to serve humanity while enhancing values of giving, cooperation, and friendship among nations. “We take pride that this event bears the name of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, who established a humanitarian approach based on building bridges of communication and cooperation, making giving a value that transcends borders and cultures,” he added.
The Zayed Charity Run in China reflects a vision that extends beyond mere sporting competition, celebrating global values of health, coexistence, friendship, and openness to the world. By engaging runners from various nationalities, the event illustrates the capacity of sports to forge connections across cultures, while the Great Wall of China serves as a symbolic backdrop for an initiative bearing Zayed’s name, continuing to honour his humanitarian legacy and vision that positioned the UAE as a bridge for communication and cooperation among the world’s nations.