Dubai gets ready for Nike’s night run on Palm Jumeirah

Some 5,000 runners are expected to illuminate Dubai on Friday when Dubai stages Nike's unique ‘We Run Dubai’ 10 kilometre race on the Palm Jumeirah.

'We Run Dubai' will be part of the global 'We Run' race movement and will be held in the Gulf region for the first time.

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Felix Sanchez adds glamour to event and will blow the horns to signal the start of the race at 7pm.

‘We Run Dubai’ will be the first night run which commences when the sun sets, so that the runners literally light up Dubai.

"We are greatly honoured to have Felix Sanchez and participate in this global initiative which is in line with Dubai Sports Coucil's (DSC) strategy of social development," said Rashid Al Awadhi, DSC's Communication and Marketing Director at a press conference held at their headquarters in Jadaf to announce the event on Thursday.

“It is important for Dubai to be part of this unique experience of running in the night as its gels well with our strategy of moving towards a healthy community,” added Al Awadhi.

Sanchez said he was "excited" to participate in the event which promote a healthy living style.

"I am excited to be here for the very first 'We Run Dubai'. Nike organised a great series of events worldwide and to see the Middle East join in the running craze is even more a testament to its success," said Sanchez, double Olympic Gold medallist in the 400 metre hurdles.

Sending out a message to the youth of the country, Sanchez who won gold in Athens (2004) and repeated the feat in London (2012) said it requires dedication and a willingness to make sacrifices to reach the top.

"There is no greater honour than being able to represent your country at the Olympics," Sanchez who opted to represent Dominican Republic despite being born in the United States.

Dubai is the 15th leg of the series which encompasses 34 cities around the world gathering a total of 395,500 runners.

"The series is meant to forge a new global community of runners through Nike’s most connected race series yet with innovative Nike+ technology," said Sahar El Guindy, marketing manager of Nike Middle East.

The ‘We Run’ race series kicked off in Prague, Czech Republic on September 1, and will conclude in Santiago, Chile, on December 15.

Runners joined the Nike+ Run Club, which offered free training sessions with coaching tips, competitive challenges, and advice on everything runners need to get them to race day.

In this year’s ‘We Run Dubai’, runners will connect with both their local and global running communities through their shared ‘We Run’ participation, and through Nike’s use of innovative digital services for registration, training, support, and premium race day experiences.

The 2012 season of Nike’s ‘We Run’ race series aims to inspire, support and connect runners around the world.
 

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