Abu Dhabi/Beijing – The Higher Organizing Committee of the Zayed Charity Race announced the official opening of registration for the Huairou Great Wall Marathon and Zayed Charity Race 2025, scheduled to be held on September 21, 2025, at the Jinyu Shenfa Science Park in the Chinese capital, Beijing.

This event represents a historic milestone in the history of sporting and cultural cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the People’s Republic of China. The marathon is the only event in Beijing held under the name “Great Wall of China” and rated A1 by the Chinese Athletics Association.

International participation and exceptional path

The event is expected to attract more than 15,000 runners from around the world, along a scenic route extending from the Yankee Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center to the Mutianyu Great Wall, passing by distinctive cultural and natural landmarks that reflect the ancient Chinese civilization.

Emirati human legacy

This event is an extension of the Zayed Charity Run, which was launched in Abu Dhabi in 2001 in honor of the founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Over the years, the race has raised more than $173 million to support health and charitable initiatives, with more than 613,000 runners participating in various editions around the world, including New York, Cairo, and now Beijing.

Commenting on the race, His Excellency Lieutenant General (Ret.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, said:

“Holding the Zayed Charity Race on the Great Wall of China is not just a partnership, but a powerful union that brings together heritage, values, and a shared humanitarian message.”

Accompanying and cultural events

The event also includes a range of accompanying community and cultural activities:

Robot Racing
Families and People of Determination Race on September 20
Emirati House Cultural Events from September 19 to 21
The awards ceremony will be held on September 21 at the Great Wall Stage.

Registration and participation

Registration for Chinese runners has begun on local platforms and the WeChat app, while special registration channels will be available for UAE participants, including athletes, members of the Emirati community in China, and embassy staff. Further details will be announced at a press conference on August 18 at Huairou Science and Technology Park.

Registration link: Click here to register

Local version in Abu Dhabi

The Zayed Charity Run continues to highlight its noble message within the UAE, through the local edition, organized in collaboration with the Irth Hotel in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing the connection between the UAE’s humanitarian values and purposeful global sport.