Abu dhabi: The Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, in collaboration with the Huairou District Government of the People's Republic of China, has completed preparations for the forthcoming Zayed Charity Run and Huairou Great Wall Marathon scheduled for 27 September 2026 in Huairou, Beijing, marking the event's second consecutive year in the region.
According to Emirates News Agency, the marathon will see the participation of 15,000 runners, including 50 Emirati athletes, converging in a celebration that merges sportsmanship, humanitarian endeavors, and the strengthening of international bonds. The continuation of the event in China underscores the Zayed Charity Run's commitment to advancing its global mission of giving and community service.
The event is organized in association with the People's Government of Huairou District, the Beijing Athletics Association, and the District Sports Bureau. It is supported by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Beijing and sponsored by prominent UAE corporations such as ADNOC, L'IMAD, Mubadala, and EDGE. The marathon will feature a 42-kilometre main race and a 21-kilometre half marathon, both recognized as A1-level events by the Chinese Athletics Association.
Lieutenant General (Ret.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, chairman of the Organising Committee, emphasized that the return to Beijing symbolizes the success of the previous edition and the growing trust in the event as an international platform intertwining sport with humanitarian values. He highlighted the importance of the event in uniting people around a purpose that transcends mere competition, carrying forward the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in extending kindness and service to humanity.
Al Kaabi also expressed pride in the continued collaboration with Chinese partners and the organizing bodies, as well as gratitude to the UAE Embassy in Beijing for its unwavering support and contribution to the initiative's success. This year's event notably channels 50% of its proceeds towards supporting Huairou Hospital, reflecting the Zayed Charity Run's foundational principles of transforming sports passion into humanitarian action.
As participants set off amidst the historic backdrop of the Great Wall, the involvement of the UAE delegation alongside global runners sends a powerful message: Sheikh Zayed's enduring legacy of kindness transcends borders, leaving a lasting impact that resonates long after the marathon concludes.