International Run Day event at Mamzar Park

Wednesday, Feb 24, 2010

Gulf News

Dubai Over 10,000 athletes will be seen in action when the UAE Ministry of Defence hosts the International Run Day at Mamzar Park tomorrow.

Competitors from both the UAE and around the world will compete in several categories of the event organised by the International Military Sports Council (CISM) with a total prize fund of Dh500,000 on offer. The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

According to Brigadier (Staff) Jaber Abdullah Saeed Lootah, every year on February 18, soldiers from many CISM member countries get together to celebrate the CISM anniversary and to promote sports in the military. Soldiers of CISM countries are invited to participate either in a running or skiing event for peace.

Last year's CISM Day Run gathered more than 300,000 soldiers from 42 participating countries. The aim this year is to see 500,000 military personnel running and celebrating CISM Sport for Peace.

Speaking to newsmen at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Brigadier Lootah said they are expecting wide response from the government and private institutions as well as members of the public to come together on that day. "Founded on the 18th of February 1948, the International Military Sports Council [CISM] is one of the largest multidisciplinary organisations in the world. It organises various sporting events for the armed forces of the 132-member countries. Soldiers, who may previously have met on the battle field, now meet in friendship on the sports playing field. This is in accordance with the philosophy and the ideals which were set in CISM's mission statement in 1998, signed by all the member countries," he said.

Participants will compete in four categories — a 3km for school boys and girls, 6km race that is open for the public, a 10km event for professionals and the public and another 10km that will be restricted to people with special needs.

Registration centres are open at both Dubai and Sharjah City Centres in addition to the race venue on the Al Mamzar Corniche.

Staff Report