Runners pound the road for worthy cause

The 7EmiratesRun raises funds for disabled children.

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FUJAIRAH // Seven runners gathered in Fujairah on Thursday for the seventh day of the 7EmiratesRun, which is being held to raise funds for Al Jalila Foundation.

The foundation helps to cover the costs of life-changing surgery and post-operative medical support for children suffering from deformities or amputation.

The runners’ journey will take them through all seven emirates, covering 575 kilometres – an average of 48 kilometres a day. They hope to raise Dh777,000 to support more children in the UAE with disabilities.

The race started from Abu Dhabi on November 21 and will finish in Dubai on December 2, as part of the National Day celebrations at Festival City.

On Thursday at Al Sharq hospital, Fujairah, the foundation received a Dh10,000 donation from the hospital.

For Malaysian Aida Othman and her husband Ekhman Mahmud, who live in Dubai, this year’s run is their second.

“I met the organiser, Wendelin Lauxen, in 2010 at the Dubai Marathon and he mentioned the idea I loved it so much and was inspired by him,” said Ms Othman, 36.

“I participated in 2013 and it was the most enjoyable thing I have ever done. It was tough but I did manage it.

“This year things are a little bit different – I have more experience and know how to control my body, and have learnt not to push it too much and rest when needed.

“Helping people in need, especially children, has encouraged me more during the past days.

“It is a great experience which helped us in discovering the beauty of the Emiratis.”

Shaikh Mansoor, 40, from India, who works in sales, said: “I was running with Dubai Road Runners when I first heard about the initiative six months back, and I wanted to try this new experience and participate in raising money to help sick children.

“This is my first time and I will definitely do it again.”

Runners can compete in four categories. In category one, they run the entire 575km, while in the second, they join a seven-member team relay. In category three, they run the full or partial course on any individual days, while in the fourth, they take part in the special UAE National Day marathon, limited to 43 runners to commemorate 43 years of the federation, and join the 7EmiratesRun team on the last leg from Sharjah to Dubai.

rhaza@thenational.ae