Fitness buff organises 'Run for Lebanon' in solidarity in Dubai

"We are dedicating our run - you can also walk or jog - and yoga session to our friends in Lebanon. To show the support, we have named our initiative "Run for Lebanon" or #KeepTheRunsOnForLebanon," said Jordanian expat Fuad Naser, founder of the '5.30am Run' club, which is organising the initiative.

The club was launched last year with the aim of giving back to society and creating a healthy community by promoting fitness for all levels. "In fact, this summer we were looking forward to officially launch our '530­_Run' club in Lebanon. We had also identified the ambassador for our run there," added Fuad.

Since the run aims to provide disaster relief, the group has urged participants to donate whatever they can by clicking on the link provided on the club's Instagram handle. "While we have provided the donation link on Instagram for people to donate to the Lebanese Red Cross directly, I will also brief the runners before we flag off the run. We will ask them to complete the run and make the online payment to LRC via the link provided on our social media account '530_run'," said 33-year-old Fuad.

"Around 80 to 100 people usually join our causes. Since tomorrow's run is for Lebanon, we are planning to have Lebanese flags and T-shirts for our runners. Anyone is free to join and show their solidarity to the people of Beirut."

Fuad, a professional runner and participates in marathons in the UAE and beyond, said he sends out certain safety rules to 1,500 followers on WhatsApp and over 3,000 on Instagram.

"I have set guidelines keeping the current Covid-19 pandemic in mind. These include no handshakes and hugs, wearing a mask before and after completing the run, keeping a distance of two metres between each other, bringing own mat and towel for yoga session," he added.

Previously, the runners club had held charity runs for installing water pumps for the needy in India and also to help raise fund for sick children at Al Jalila Foundation.