Under the patronage of Hazza bin Zayed, Al Ain Community Run Challenge to take place on 4 May 2025

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, the Al Ain Community Run Challenge will take place at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain on 4 May 2025. The event is part of a series of community-driven initiatives aimed at harnessing a culture of fitness and sports, while fostering engagement across all segments of society.

Launched by the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural Center, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the initiative seeks to encourage the public to embrace regular physical activity by providing a safe, open and inclusive environment that showcases sport as an integral part of daily life.

The Al Ain Community Run Challenge is open to people of all ages and abilities, enabling participants to choose race distances that suit their fitness levels. This reflects the organisers’ commitment to encouraging broad community participation in a fun and supportive sporting environment.

The race schedule is as follows:

10km race at 7am
5km race at 7.05am
2.5km race at 7.10am
1km race at 7.30am

Registration will remain open until the target number of participants is reached, with over 1,000 runners expected to take part. A strong turnout is anticipated from across the community, including citizens, residents, families, amateur athletes and People of Determination.

To further encourage community participation and foster a spirit of positive competition, the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural Center has announced that cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers in each category. All participants who complete the run will also receive commemorative medals and gifts. The initiative aims to instil a culture of recognition and motivation, encouraging the community to adopt regular physical activity within a safe and inspiring environment, in line with the institution’s broader mission.

Sheikha Dr Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Institutions, said: "The Al Ain Community Run Challenge, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is a far-reaching event. By bringing the community together, we strive to inspire a culture of active living, where sports become a daily habit and a shared value. Beyond physical fitness, sports strengthen mental resilience, foster social bonds and enhance collective well-being. This event embodies the vision of our leadership to build a healthier, more cohesive society and pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come."

His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: "We are proud to launch the Al Ain Community Run Challenge under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a key supporter of sports development in the UAE. This run is part of our ongoing commitment to expanding sports participation and promoting physical activity as a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. We look forward to a vibrant turnout that reflects the community's enthusiasm for sports and embodies the values of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council."

The event reflects Sheikha Dr Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan’s continued support for community development across all fields. It also aligns with the vision of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to promote healthy living and encourage recreational physical activity, thereby enhancing quality of life and supporting long-term sports development goals in Al Ain and across the emirate of Abu Dhabi.