RIO DE JANEIRO, 24th August, 2026 (WAM) — The Zayed Charity Run concluded its second edition yesterday (Sunday), with the participation of more than 2,000 runners, alongside 50 runners from the UAE, at Flamengo Beach in Rio de Janeiro.
The 2026 edition featured more than BRL500,000 in prizes, including awards for race winners across multiple categories, prize draws and additional incentives for participants. Beyond celebrating athletic achievement, the event aims to inspire public engagement in a cause that extends far beyond the finish line.
As part of this commitment, 100% of the registration fees will be donated to Grupo Cultural AfroReggae through a partnership with Criança Esperança.
The initiative was made possible with the support of the UAE Embassy in Brazil, which helped establish the connection between the race organisers and one of Brazil’s most respected social initiatives.
The funds will contribute to expanding programmes focused on education, culture, social inclusion and opportunities for children and young people living in vulnerable communities.
The 2026 edition is also supported by leading UAE organisations, including ERTH, L’imaad, Emirates and Mubadala, whose commitment to social responsibility and community development reflects the values at the heart of the Zayed Charity Run.
In the 5-kilometre race, Vitor Ferreira dos Santos took first place in the men’s category, while Jennifer Arnold claimed the women’s title. In the 10-kilometre men’s race, the title went to Bekele Feleke Tarenro, while Aynalem Debele Ketema finished first in the women’s category.
In the 5-kilometre race for people of determination, Jean Oliveira da Silva won first place in the men’s category, while Antonia Kella da Silva Barros took first place in the women’s category.
Major General (Ret.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, expressed his sincere appreciation to the UAE Embassy in Brazil and to all the event’s partners and sponsors, praising their support and cooperation, which contributed to the success of the second edition of the race in Brazil and strengthened its sporting and humanitarian impact.
He said the race embodies the power of sport to bring people together around a shared humanitarian goal that goes beyond sporting competition. Each edition carries forward the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his enduring values of generosity, compassion, and service to humanity.
Since its
inception, the Run has become a symbol of Sheikh Zayed’s enduring values of
generosity, compassion and humanitarianism, bringing people together across
borders through the power of sport.
From its
home in Abu Dhabi, the Zayed Charity Run has grown into an international
movement, with successful editions across New York, Cairo, Miami, Beijing,
Addis Ababa and Budapest, and now returns to Brazil, further establishing Rio
de Janeiro as one of the host cities on its growing global calendar.
In every
destination, the event raises funds for charitable causes while promoting
unity, wellbeing and social impact, reaffirming its mission of connecting
communities through kindness and shared humanity.
Source: Emirates News Agency
