Abu Dhabi – Beijing – Next September will witness a distinguished sporting and humanitarian event bringing together the UAE and the People’s Republic of China. It is the organization of the Huairou Great Wall Marathon and the Zayed Charity Race 2025 for the first time in the Chinese capital, Beijing.
This will be on September 21, with the participation of more than 51,000 runners from around the world. This was announced by the organizing committee. The event is held in a race classified as “A1” by the Chinese Athletics Federation.
Its route extends from the Yankee Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center all the way to the Great Wall of Mutianyu.
In addition to passing through a number of prominent cultural and tourist attractions that reflect the beauty of Chinese nature and its rich history.
“New station”
The event marks a new milestone in the Zayed Charity Race, which started in Abu Dhabi in 2001. It was inspired by the noble human values established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God bless his soul, in the field of charitable and humanitarian work.
Over the course of 22 local editions and many international editions, the race has become a global Emirati symbol. It combines humanitarian and sporting work.
It also contributes to supporting groups in need, especially patients with cancer, kidney failure, and heart disease. In addition to supporting children’s hospitals and medical research.
Organizing the event in China comes within the framework of enhancing sports and cultural cooperation between the UAE and China. It includes the main 10 km race. In addition to a series of community and cultural events held over three days from September 19 to 21.
These events include the 5 km robot race, the 5 km race for families and people of determination on September 20. Also, there are cultural activities at the “Emirati House” in the Mutianyu area, and the official awards ceremony on the Great Wall platform on September 21.
Lieutenant General (M) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Zayed Charity Race, stressed that holding the race for the first time in Beijing represents an exceptional milestone in its history. It reflects the depth of bilateral relations between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China.
He pointed out that all parties are working in a team spirit to make the event a success. This is done in a manner befitting its noble message of spreading goodness, peace, and tolerance.
Al Kaabi invited Emirati runners to participate in the event.
He stressed that it represents a sporting and humanitarian bridge linking the two friendly peoples. Furthermore, it reflects the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
For his part, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said that organizing the Huairou Great Wall Marathon and the Zayed Charity Race for the year 2025 represents a pivotal step in supporting Emirati-Chinese relations. It confirms the role of sports in promoting soft diplomacy.
He pointed out that the event reflects the spirit of cooperation and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
It also strengthens the UAE’s position on the international stage as a model for using sport as a means to achieve peace and sustainable development.
For his part, Jiang Yixing, Director of the Huairou District Sports Office, said that holding the Zayed Charity Race alongside the China Wall Marathon reflects the importance of sports innovation and international cooperation.
He stressed that the event will contribute to consolidating communication between the UAE and China. It also enhances Huairou’s position as an advanced sports and tourism destination.
He noted that preparations for the event are well underway. This is in cooperation with the Huairou government, the Beijing Athletics Federation, and the Huairou Sports Bureau.
He explained that this year’s edition will be exceptional in terms of size and organization. This is compared to previous editions since the start of the Huairou Marathon in 2015.
