Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Zayed Charity Run, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, is set to make its historic South American debut in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this Sunday, October 5, marking the second leg of its 2025-2026 season.
Following a successful first leg in Beijing, China, last month, the globally recognised humanitarian event will bring its message of giving and solidarity to a new continent.
Thousands of participants are expected for the 5km and 10km routes, including a delegation of 200 Emirati runners and over 250 international teams. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Rio Solidario Foundation, a prominent Brazilian non-profit that supports vulnerable children, women and families.
The partnership aligns with the run’s core mission to use sport as a vehicle for positive social impact, continuing the philanthropic legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Launched in Abu Dhabi in 2001 under the patronage of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Zayed Charity Run has since evolved into a worldwide humanitarian movement.
The 39 events held to date have raised more than $172 million for charitable causes and attracted over 613,000 runners. The funds have supported dozens of hospitals and research institutions dedicated to treating cancer, kidney disease and terminal illnesses.
Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, said the Zayed Charity Run continues to “share the values” of the Founding Father.
“Hosting the run in Rio de Janeiro is an exceptional and important step in reinforcing our global mission of giving and human unity. We reaffirm our commitment to the success of this journey, which has become a symbol of solidarity among nations.
“Dedicating the proceeds of this edition to Rio Solidario reflects the true spirit of the run as a bridge of human connection and a platform for spreading compassion and hope across societies. We are proud of the participation of Emirati runners and all the athletes who represent their countries in this global event.”
Sherif Isa Mohamed Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Brazil, praised the cooperation of local authorities, partners, and organisers, and expressed his hope for strong community engagement.
“Directing the proceeds of this edition to Rio Solidario demonstrates a steadfast approach of turning sport into a platform for creating hope and empowering children, women and families most in need. We are confident that this event will leave a lasting impact and further strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two countries,” he said.
The Rio leg is set to reaffirm the ability of this Emirati humanitarian initiative to build bridges between continents and use sport to drive positive change in people’s lives.
Since its launch in Abu Dhabi 24 years ago, the run has grown into far more than a sporting event – it has become a global humanitarian movement, inspiring hundreds of thousands of participants worldwide.
To date, it has supported dozens of hospitals, charitable organisations and research centres – including cancer hospitals, kidney research, and treatment for complex diseases.
This season features a diverse global route: after Rio de Janeiro, runners and spectators will gather in Abu Dhabi on November 29, then Cairo on December 26, Miami on January 30 next year, before concluding in Budapest in May 2026.
