UD Insider: Dubai School Children Get Fit at the First Ever Kids’ Run

Dubai kids from the 9 to 12 age group category getting fit at an outdoor race at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.
Dubai kids from the 9 to 12 age group category getting fit at an outdoor race at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.

 

Under the patronage of HH Sheikha Al Jalila Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Etisalat sponsors the first ever Dubai Kids’ Run

 

In an effort to educate the UAE’s youth on the importance of healthy eating, regular exercise and an active lifestyle, the first ever Dubai kids’ run was launched.

The two-day event – which took place over the weekend – was organised by CPI Media group, and the UAE Athletics Federation. The UAE’s telecommunications company, Etisalat sponsored the race that was held at Dubai Media City’s outdoor Amphitheatre.

The race brought together the kids of Dubai in a social and fun activity that embodies a strong community spirit.

The 2 kilometer-long race catered to two groups of children. The first race started at 9:30 am and was for kids between the ages of nine to twelve. Children from ages four to eight years old ran straight after that, accompanied by their parents.

Liesa Euton, Race Director says: “We wanted to have a smooth course for the children – not too long and not too short – because we want to give them just a little bit of a challenge.”

Collectible medals were given to all the participants at the end of the adrenaline-filled race.

The first-place winner from each race category received an IPad Mini and a hamper including a variety of gadgets, gift certificates and a three-month gym membership.

The top five winners from each category have also received goody bags worth over 3,500 AED.

The event attracted more than 5,000 people, amongst cheering parents and active children.

With more than 2,000 kids participating in the race, the Etisalat Dubai Kids’ Run will be an annual event in the Dubai calendar.

Ahmed Kamali, President of the UAE Athletics Federation says: “We put this run in the calendar, so that it’s going to be like any of the future races; like Dubai Marathon for 17 years, and Dubai Women’s Run for the last 6 years. So hopefully, we are planning to have this forever.”

11 year-old Raedan Chettiar came in second place in the boys 9 to 12 years old 2KM Solo category.

“He plays football with his coach, who trained him for two weeks only.” Raedan’s mother says.

“He’s a very active boy; he plays football and cricket.”

Raedan’s coach trains a group of kids at Dubai’s Zabeel park as a part-time hobby. The kids run around the spacious park and play football two or three times a week.

The Etisalat Dubai Kids’ Run proved to be a successful initiative to promote healthy living and fitness amongst the tech-savvy and modern Dubai kids.

An even bigger step forward can be taken by eliminating the unhealthy snacks and sugar treats that were served at the fun fair after the race.

Hopefully, future events will include a variety of healthy snacks, treats and smoothie stands.

 

Photo Slide Show link:

Click Here.

Link for Etisalat Photo Slide Show:

 

 

Gwinn Steens, the first prize winner in the Girls 9 to 12 years-old 2KM Solo Category running towards the finish line at the Etisalat Dubai Kids’ Run.
Gwinn Steens, the first prize winner in the Girls 9 to 12 years-old 2KM Solo Category running towards the finish line at the Etisalat Dubai Kids’ Run.

 

Six and a half year-old Sasha from France after receiving his medal, at the end of the first-ever Dubai kids’ race at Dubai Media City’s Amphitheatre.
Six and a half year-old Sasha from France after receiving his medal, at the end of the first-ever Dubai kids’ race at Dubai Media City’s Amphitheatre.

 

Sasha’s parents, younger sister and grandmother (not in the photo) were all present at the race venue in Dubai Media City to support and cheer him at the inaugural Dubai kids’ run, on the morning of Friday, March 20, 2015.
Sasha’s parents, younger sister and grandmother (not in the photo) were all present at the race venue in Dubai Media City to support and cheer him at the inaugural Dubai kids’ run, on the morning of Friday, March 20, 2015.

 

Shriyash, 6 (left) and Shrinya, 3 (right) pose proudly with their medals after the Dubai Kids’ Run on Friday. The siblings’ mother admits that while her son is very active, her daughter is a little lazy.
Shriyash, 6 (left) and Shrinya, 3 (right) pose proudly with their medals after the Dubai Kids’ Run on Friday. The siblings’ mother admits that while her son is very active, her daughter is a little lazy.

 

The first ever kids’ run was sponsored by UAE’s telecom company, Etisalat.
The first ever kids’ run was sponsored by UAE’s telecom company, Etisalat.

Published by

Nada Al Ghowainim

I am a 30-something Dubai-based Saudi female lifestyle blogger and writer. I am on an endless journey of self-discovery and self-development. Learn More About Me

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.