UAE: Zayed Charity Run to include robots in new China leg, see historic expansion
The race will see a historic expansion this year to three continents by adding China, Hungary and Brazil to its list of destinations that includes the UAE, Egypt and the US, reflecting its growing humanitarian and sporting influence across the world.
Zayed Charity Run is an annual racing event that supports patients with chronic illnesses, funds children's hospitals and research, and promotes health awareness and active lifestyles.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Race track
This year's season will begin on September 21 in Beijing, featuring a 5km robot race for the first time, in addition to 10km and 5km races for humans, with total prize money of $30,000.
The second stop will be in Rio de Janeiro on October 5, with prize money of $20,000, then the run will return to the UAE Capital Abu Dhabi on November 29, coinciding with the nation's National Day and offering Dh1.5 million in prizes.
After Abu Dhabi, the event will move to Cairo for the fourth leg on December 26, with Egp20 million in prizes. The fifth race will take place in Miami on January 31, 2026, with $20,000 in prizes and the season will conclude in Budapest in May 2026, with the same amount of prize money.
About Zayed Charity Run
First launched in Abu Dhabi in 2001, the Zayed Charity Run expanded globally in 2005 with its first overseas edition in New York City and later in Cairo in 2014.
Inspired by the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, it aims to promote giving, generosity, and social solidarity globally.
During a press conference to announce the expansion, Lt. General (Ret.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, stated that future editions of Zayed Charity Run will continue to grow.
Support for the race during the Year of Community was reaffirmed during the presser by Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council who also highlighted the inclusion of senior citizens in upcoming editions.
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