Thousands turn out to Run for a Cause and have fun on the Corniche

Event raised Dh500,000 for a school in Kenya and two special needs centres in the UAE.

Majid magazine mascots pose for pictures with children at the charity run at the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

ABU DHABI // Thousands of people thronged Abu Dhabi’s Corniche on Friday afternoon to “Run For A Cause”, raising about Dh500,000 for charity in the process.

Abu Dhabi Media’s Majid magazine partnered with Etihad Airways for the event that raised funds for Likuyani Primary School in Kenya and special needs centres in Al Ain and Fujairah.

The entertainment that was laid on included children’s games, sports activities and educational workshops on road safety, offered by Abu Dhabi Police and the capital’s Department of Transport.

Emirati Wadeema Rashid, 10, said: “This is a great run for those who are less fortunate in African countries. I feel fortunate to take part in this event and raise money to help them.

“We keep listening to sad stories on the plight of African countries, so this is a good cause to help them.

“I took part in the 1.5km run and had too much fun today.”

The event consisted of a 1.5km run for children, a 1.5km race for those with special needs and a 3km run open to anyone.

Khaled Al Mehairbi, senior vice president of government and aero-political affairs at Etihad Airways, said: “Approximately, we have collected close to half a million dirhams from the charity run today.

“We are planning to use this money in a Kenyan school. In the UAE, we would give a part of this money to a special needs centre, Al Wagan in Al Ain, and another special needs school in Fujairah.

“Today, we have registered over 3,000 people for the cause.”

This is the third consecutive year of the event, which Etihad organises, he said.

“Previously, we distributed donations among the poor and orphans in Egypt and Sri Lanka,” Mr Al Mehairbi said.

While about 3,000 people took part, there was well in excess of 5,000 people in total joining in the fun along the Corniche.

Pupils from numerous schools thrilled onlookers with their dancing performances, while a motorbike show had petrol-heads in a spin.

Emirati Abdurrahim Abdullah, 27, a Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs student, came on his wheelchair to take part in the charity run. “I am happy to be here for this run,” he said.

“My trainer told about this event, that they are collecting funds for poor people in Kenya and the UAE.”

One of the most popular attractions, certainly for the children in attendance, was the mascots from Majid’s children’s magazine, who were shaking the hands of those brave enough to approach them and posing for photographs.

The magazine, which is part of the same group as The National, also gave out water bottles, juice, T-shirts and sunblock for children and adults who were participating.

Amjad Mahdokht, a 10-year-old Pakistani who took part in the run, said: “It’s truly a fun-filled event where we can donate for poor people.

“There are many people who don’t have such facilities as we do. So we need to support them and improve their living.”

The prize for the winner of the schools grouping was a safari in Sri Lanka for six children and supervisor.

The winner of the company grouping would also be headed to Sri Lanka on a safari for four people, while the winners of the special needs category were to be given a pair of Etihad Airways economy class return tickets.

The individual winners of the male and female categories were also to be given a pair of Etihad Airways economy class return tickets.