DUBAI, 22 January 2022 – Following the success of the first Expo Run in November, 3,500 athletes of all abilities made the most of the clear blue skies and crisp winter weather to take part in the Expo 2020 Dubai: Run 2 today (22 January) around the Expo site.
Donning fuchsia pink Expo 2020 Dubai shirts, runners of all ages – including babies pushed in strollers, children, parents and grandparents – turned up to take part in the inclusive event.
Starting from the Qatar Pavilion, runners competed over distances of 3km, 5km and 10km, through winding routes that took them past the three Thematic Pavilions and numerous Country Pavilions, before crossing the finishing line at Jubilee Park. The runners then made their way to Festival Garden for an awards ceremony and complimentary refreshments, with all participants receiving free 1-Day Tickets to Expo 2020. Soaking up the festival-like atmosphere, many still had energy left to dance to the DJ’s catchy beats.
Marwell Ramos from the Philippines won the 10km men’s race, with a time of 28 minutes 50 seconds, a full two minutes ahead of Brahim Slimani from Morocco in second, while Reichelle Demdam, also from the Philippines, took the first place in the women’s 10km – and took ninth place overall.
Dawoodi Bohras were out in full force, with 600 participants from the Muslim community, which includes a blend of cultures from Egypt, India and Yemen, taking part in the race – demonstrating the uniquely unifying force of sport.
Expo 2020 Dubai will host Health & Wellness Week – the eighth of 10 Theme Weeks under the Programme for People and Planet – from 27 January-2 February, followed by the Terry Fox Run on 5 February to mark World Cancer Day (4 February). A Ladies Run will take place on 12 March, while Expo 2020 Dubai: Run 3 is on 26 March. Runners who wish to participate can register at www.premieronline.com.
