Doha: Over 5,000 people hit the pavement at Aspire Park on Saturday to take part in Al Dana Green Run organised by Doha Bank.
And thousands turned up to support the event and the cause, making it the 11th edition most successful.
Participants competed in 10 individual categories for various age groups and skill levels: From professional runners and people with special needs to individuals under 18 and heavyweights, among other categories. While many were first-timers, some have been regulars and had put in weeks of practice before the race.
The ‘Male – 18-35’ category attracted 1,500 runners, the highest, while 983 participated in the ‘Male – Over 35’ category and young males and females under 18 totalled 774.
Among the many this year were 880 families, along with bank staff who took part to reinforce the bank’s commitment to promote a culture of green living and wellness at workplace. Some 50 special-needs runners from local special-needs associations also took part.
“Our participation has created a positive impact on our members. Opportunities like these give them a platform to connect with society and help strengthen their sense of community belonging. We have participated in the race before, so our runners were familiar with the rules and the track. This year we had 15 girls and 20 boys in the short distance category,”said Jassem Mohammed, Assistant PR Officer, Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs.
A total of QR150,000 was distributed in prize money, with first-place winners in each of the 10 categories winning QR5,000 each and second-place QR4,000. Winners of the third, fourth and fifth positions received QR3,000, QR2,000 and QR1,000 each.
“Over the years, the run has seen a steady spike in the number of participants and it is encouraging to see Doha residents come together in large numbers to share in our commitment to the environment and towards healthy living,” said Dr R Seetharaman, CEO, Doha Bank.
“Qatar’s focus on environmental conservation and eco-friendly development – one of the four pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030 – has helped instil renewed environmental consciousness among people.
“Qatar’s rapid emergence as a global sports destination has led to greater awareness about fitness and the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. The run combines these two national priorities – which align with the bank’s CSR goals – to provide a platform for people of all age groups to contribute to a better tomorrow while having fun doing it,” he added.
The run aims to spread awareness about the fragile ecosystem and encourage people to adopt sustainable practices to maintain a better ecological balance.
It started at 3pm and covered a 3km circuit around Khalifa Stadium. Volunteers waited at key points as did the cheering crowds who egged the participants on to the finish line.
The event featured live DJ set, performances by the choir of the Philippine International School, face painting, and football and basketball games for children, a photo booth area, which allowed runners and the public to share creative pictures on Instagram using the #DanaGreenRun – offering them opportunity to take home a Polaroid as a memory of their participation.
Complimentary refreshments were provided by The Torch Doha and a raffle draw offered cash and other rewards. The bank also offered free Apple iWatches to the first 50 customers opening a new account with salary transfer.
It also announced the winners of its December 2015 Mega Draw for Al Dana Savings Scheme, from which the run takes its name.
S M B A Sheikh was named the latest millionaire. Other draws included QR100,000, QR50,000, QR25,000 within a pool of 52 winners for the final monthly draw of 2015, taking the tally for the year to QR11m.
The millionaires of the last quarter draws, M M Chowdhury and H V S Vembu collected cheques. The event also hosted the winners of other cash prizes from previous draws.
Officials from the General Directorate of Public Security, Traffic and Patrol Department, Qatar Olympic Committee, Qatar Red Crescent Society and Aspire Academy — co-hosts of the run, were present.
The Peninsula
