Half marathon runners to raise Dh40,000 for charity

More than 40 runners have signed up to run the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in aid of the Angel Appeal, which helps maintain a vessel that goes out to ships anchored off the east coast of the UAE offering comfort to thousands of seafarers.

Each runner who signs up with the Angel Appeal for the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon on February 19 will be given help with training by Dubai Fit; a training pack courtesy of Saucony; transport to the race courtesy of Murdoch University; and lunch back in Dubai once the race has been completed.

Each runner has committed to raise a minimum of Dh1,000, which will go towards the Mission for Seafarers' Angel Appeal which helps maintain the M/V Flying Angel.

The UAE's east coast is the second largest bunker anchorage in the world, which is used by more than 10,500 ships each year. During this time, more than 200,000 seafarers are unable to communicate with family and friends back home for weeks, sometimes months, leading to isolation and loneliness. The vessel has an internet café, a library with DVDs and books, a medical clinic, access to telecommunications and pastoral support.

Reverend Stephen Miller of the Mission to Seafarers, Dubai, said: "The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is a great way to increase awareness about the incredibly important role seafarers play in our lives here in the UAE. We are presenting a prize for best costumed runner and we hope this will encourage our runners to bring attention to both themselves and the Angel Appeal."

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