More than 3,000 runners will participate in the NAS Running Challenge at the 10th edition of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament.
Held under the theme ‘Limitless Abilities’ and organized by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), the NAS Sports Tournament is the biggest event of its kind in terms of participation and prize money, and has been held every year in the Holy Month of Ramadan since 2013 at the iconic Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex.
Witnessing a 30 percent increase in the number of participants compared to past editions, the NAS Running Challenge will feature 10km Open Men, 10km Open Women, 10km UAE Nationals, 5km Open Men, 5km Open Women, 5km UAE National Men, 5km UAE National Women and 4km race for young age groups.
Major General Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Al-Murr, President of the UAE Athletics Federation, expressed delight over the huge number of participants from all segments of society, including residents and expatriates, and said this reflects a boost to sports culture and a healthy lifestyle.
"The NAS Sports Tournament consolidates the vision that supports the culture of practicing sports activities by upgrading the capabilities of male and female players, developing their talents and skills, and attracting all categories of residents in the country in a way that enhances the efforts made by the wise leadership to make sport a way of life to maintain their public health.
"The NAS Sports Tournament has made its mark in the annals of sporting events thanks to Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, who played a crucial and significant role in promoting the values that support the practice of sports during the Holy Month of Ramadan and spreading positive energy among everyone who enjoys sports in general.
"The idea of the NAS Sports Tournament stems from a firm conviction of the value and importance of an event of such stature, which contributed to upgrading the capabilities of male and female players' both on and off the field. This was in keeping with the federation's mission to focus on everything that paves the way for future plans to produce champions who can best represent their nation and find talents to bolster national teams," he added.
The president of the UAE Athletics Federation praised the sincere efforts made by the Organizing Committee and Dubai Sports Council to include competitions in the open category for women, which contributes to making them a significant part of the athletic competitions at the NAS.
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