The 20th Terry Fox Run Abu Dhabi, scheduled to take place on Friday, February 27, 2015, on the Abu Dhabi Corniche at 10 am is expected to see a huge gathering of participants running into many thousands. So far, 17 schools and universities have already committed to being amongst the participants. Last year, as many as 20,000 people turned up to help generate funds for cancer research.
The event is a Fun Run, not a race, and is open to everyone. People of all ages and physical abilities can walk, run, skateboard or rollerblade as far or as fast as they wish along the route and wheelchairs and pushchairs are also welcome. Since the first event in Abu Dhabi in 1995, the capital's Terry Fox Runs have not only contributed significantly towards supporting innovative cancer research, they have also actively fostered a culture of social responsibility among the public, especially the young.
Over the past two decades, the Run has become an engine of social change as it has enabled thousands of people from all walks of life — be they diplomats, professionals, workers or youth — to experience the joy of volunteerism and understand the value of social responsibility. Devoting time to give back to society creates a tremendously positive impact, at both the personal and societal levels and the feedback from participants and volunteers alike has been nothing but overwhelmingly favourable.
Participants can go to the Registration desks from 7 am onwards and collect a ribbon to be pinned to their T-shirts as proof of participation.
The Run Site for the 8.5 km out-and-back Run, which will start at 10 am, is the East Plaza on Abu Dhabi Corniche (the intersection of Khaleej Al Arabi Street/30th Street and the Abu Dhabi Corniche) with the Run route heading towards the Mina (Port) Zayed.
Amongst other features, there will be DJ-infused live music for the hugely popular warm-up session that precedes the Run itself. Given the huge turnout that the Run attracts, participants are advised to arrive by bus, taxi or arrange to be dropped off. Parking space is also available between the ADNOC station on the Corniche and the Nation Towers.
Donations are encouraged and welcomed and can be made on the day or to the Terry Fox Run at the Union National Bank, Account Number: 7401065015, IBAN number: AE140450000007401065015. Every dirham counts!
Source: The Gulf Today