The Zayed Charity Run returns to Rio de Janeiro today, August 23, with 50 Emirati runners joining thousands of people for a major charity race at Flamengo Beach.
The event is the second Brazilian edition of the Zayed Charity Run. It brings together professional athletes, amateur runners, families and people from many nations. The race combines sport with a strong social purpose.
The UAE delegation includes 50 male and female runners. It is led by Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for the Zayed Charity Run.
The race is being held at Aterro do Flamengo, near Marina da Glória. The official event programme includes 5km and 10km races. The race starts at 3pm, with the event area opening earlier in the afternoon.
About 3,000 people are expected to take part. The event is designed to welcome both serious runners and people who want to join a community sports event for a good cause.
The charity race also carries a clear UAE connection. It was created in 2001 by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in honour of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. Since then, the race has grown into an international event.
The Rio edition has a strong focus on youth support. One hundred percent of registration fees will be donated to Criança Esperança, an initiative linked to youth and social development in Brazil. The funds will support work focused on education, culture and social inclusion.
The race also offers a large prize pool. A total of BRL 500,000 is available in prizes. BRL 400,000 will go to winners in the men’s and women’s 5km and 10km races.
In the 10km races, the winners will receive BRL 40,000. Second place will receive BRL 24,000, while third place will receive BRL 16,000.
The 5km races also offer major prizes. First place will receive BRL 30,000. Second place will receive BRL 18,000, while third place will receive BRL 12,000.
There will also be 33 prize draws worth BRL 3,000 each. Together, those draws add another BRL 100,000 to the total prize value.
The event is supported by the UAE Embassy in Brazil. It also has support from several UAE-linked organisations and companies.
For the Emirati runners, the race offers more than a sporting challenge. Their presence in Rio highlights the link between the UAE and Brazil through sport and humanitarian work.
The Zayed Charity Run has used this model in other cities around the world. Its goal is to bring people together through running while supporting important social causes.
Today’s Rio race continues that mission. Runners will compete over 5km and 10km, but the wider aim goes beyond the finish line.
The event also shows how sport can connect communities across borders. Athletes from different backgrounds will share the same course and take part in an event built around giving.
As the second Brazilian edition begins, the presence of 50 Emirati runners adds a strong UAE presence to the race. Their participation also gives the event a wider international character.
The Zayed Charity Run in Rio is therefore both a sporting event and a charity effort. With thousands of participants expected, a large prize pool and funds going to youth support, today’s race brings competition and community action together in one of Brazil’s most famous cities.
