The Emirates News Agency has announced that 50 Emirati runners will participate in the second edition of the Zayed Charity Run scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro on August 23. The delegation will join thousands of athletes and enthusiasts at Flamengo Beach for the 5km and 10km races aimed at raising funds for local causes. This participation underscores the UAE’s ongoing involvement in the global initiative that blends sport with philanthropy. The event is anticipated to foster greater cultural ties between the two nations while advancing charitable objectives.
The Zayed Charity Run operates under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and continues the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Proceeds from the Brazilian edition will support Brazilian non-profit groups helping vulnerable children, women and families, the Higher Organising Committee stated. In the inaugural 2025 edition in the same city, more than 3,000 runners took part with nearly 200 from the UAE, according to The National. That event directed its funds to the Rio Solidario Foundation as part of a broader mission to aid medical and social projects.
Since its launch in Abu Dhabi in 2001, the Zayed Charity Run has evolved into a major international series. Committee data places the total amount raised across all editions at more than 173 million dollars while attracting over 613,000 participants worldwide. The series began its recent season with a leg in Beijing, China, before the first Rio event last year and this follow-up staging. Future stops are planned to extend the run’s reach across additional continents.
Emirati runners have consistently performed well in prior editions of the charity race. During the first Rio event, UAE athletes secured five medals including a clean sweep of the men’s 5km podium, Voice of Emirates reported. Rashid Al Naqbi claimed gold, with Saud Al Zaabi and Saif Al Alawi taking the other top spots. Such achievements have helped draw attention to the humanitarian aspect of the competition.
The Higher Organising Committee has invited all interested parties to register for the event through its official website. Officials have noted the significance of bringing the run to new international destinations as a way to spread messages of giving and unity. The Rio edition is expected to include cultural displays showcasing Emirati traditions alongside the races. This approach has proven effective in previous stops to engage local communities.
Organisers aim to build on the momentum from last year’s successful Brazilian debut with this follow-up event. The adjusted number of Emirati participants to 50 this time reflects changes in the delegation size while maintaining strong representation. Registration remains open for local and international runners eager to contribute to the charitable goals. The combination of competitive running and social impact continues to define the Zayed Charity Run’s appeal globally.
