Sharjah, February 23, 2018
The Friends of Arthritis Patients Association will launch its 6th annual marathon on Saturday at 4 pm. The marathon will be held along the Al Mamzar beach and will continue until the Al Qasba Roundabout. The Friends of Arthritis Patients Association, which is part of the Health promotion Department at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, is expecting a participation of thousands of participants of different ages and nationalities.
Waheeda Abdul Aziz, Head of the Friends of Arthritis Patients Association, stated that the marathon represents one of the most important annual events in Sharjah, and is part of the emirate’s efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce the spread of various diseases. She added that the marathon aims to raise awareness on Arthritis, and to promote physical activity among the members of the community. She also called on all members of the community to participate in this marathon with their families, friends and colleagues at work.
The marathon runs a total distance of six kilometers and consists of five stages. The first stage is one kilometer long and consists of a walking race for male and female retirees with Arthritis who are part of the Association, as well as people with mobility disabilities. The second stage is a one kilometer running race for boys and girls from the ages of 6 to 10 years old, in addition to people with mental and hearing disabilities.
The third stage is 2 Kilometers long and is organized for young boys and girls, as well as people with mental disabilities, from the ages of 11 to 15 years old. The fourth stage is 4 Kilometers long and is organized for young people between the ages of 15 and 18 years old. The fifth and final stage is 6 Kilometers long and is organized for the general public, as well as those with mental disabilities, who are at least 18 years old.
The marathon, which is being held in cooperation with Sharjah Police Headquarters, the Sharjah Sport Council and a number of governmental institutions in the emirate, aims to raise awareness on Arthritis and its symptoms and ways of treatment. The marathon also aims to provide moral and financial support to arthritis patients. The first winners will be honored at various stages of the marathon, and will be given valuable prizes that will be provided by the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah and the sponsors of the race.
