SHARJAH, 26th April, 2023 (WAM) -- The Friends of Arthritis Patients (FAP) of the Health Promotion Department (HPD) at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah has announced that it will launch the 10th charity marathon on 30th April, 2023, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), Sharjah Police, and the Sharjah Sports Council.
The marathon, part of the FAP's initiatives to encourage physical activity and mobilise support for arthritis patients, will feature a range of innovative health, sports, and recreational events and activities organised by the FAP over two days.
The announcement was made during a press conference held yesterday evening at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Iman Rashid Saif, Director of HPD, Wahida Abdulaziz, Chairperson of the FAP, Mohammed Abdullah Al Zarooni, Director of MoHAP Representative Office in Sharjah, and Eng. Fathi Jabr Afaneh, General Manager of Fast Contracting Company, as well as members of the HPD, FAP volunteers, and representatives of the media.
Wahida Abdulaziz emphasised that the FAP's charity marathon will not only stimulate institutional and community efforts to support arthritis patients and raise community awareness but will also help promote healthy practices to prevent chronic diseases.
Abdulaziz added that the FAP is committed to making every possible effort to deliver a distinguished edition that builds on previous successes and enhances its leading position as one of the most significant health awareness events for arthritis in the UAE.
Al Zarooni said the charity marathon was instrumental in raising community health awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles. He added that encouraging healthy practices is essential to improving people’s quality of life.
Al Zarooni stated that the Ministry of Health and Prevention's involvement in the event aligns with its ongoing efforts to stimulate healthy practices in society.
In addition, Eng. Fathi Afaneh said that FAST is committed to annually sponsoring and supporting the charity marathon to help foster the event’s success and support arthritis patients.
The upcoming 10th edition of the marathon will feature a scientific awareness day for the first time, coinciding with the event. The day will involve participation from experts, including rheumatologists, nutritionists, health specialists, and athletes. In addition to the marathon, innovative events will be launched, including free medical examinations, consultations, and recreational and sports activities. These activities will span two days, starting on 29th April.
The event will take place along Al Mamzar Corniche and will feature four stages catering to different age groups and physical abilities. The first stage, a 10-km run, is open to participants aged 19 years and over.
The second stage, a 5-km run, is for those aged 16 and above. The third stage, a 2.5 km run, is open to participants aged eight years and older. The last stage, a 1 km "Fun Walk," is open to people of all ages, genders, and physical abilities, including the elderly, patients, and families.