Dubai Holding SkyRun to inaugurate Vertical World Circuit 2017

Dubai Holding SkyRun to inaugurate Vertical World Circuit 2017

March 1, 2017
  • Race part of global 10-city circuit of vertical races organised by International SkyRunning Federation
  • Record participation at the 15th edition of the race to be held on March 3, 2017 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers
  • Dubai Holding SkyRun rated 4-star event by Dubai Sports Council

Dubai Holding, the global investment holding company, announced today that its flagship fund raising event, Dubai Holding SkyRun will officially inaugurate the Vertical World Circuit 2017, a circuit of ten iconic cities around the world organised by International SkyRunning Federation. The 15th edition of Dubai Holding SkyRun will be held on March 3rd, 2017 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

The oldest vertical run in the UAE is an official race of Dubai Sports Council and is rated 4 star by the Council’s Sports Events Ranking System. The race will see participants conquer 52 floors comprising 1,334 steps or 265 metres of the iconic Jumeirah Emirates Towers. It attracts local sports enthusiasts as well as a number of internationally recognised elite runners. All funds raised by Dubai Holding SkyRun will be donated to its long-term partner, Al Jalila Foundation, in aid of its obesity research in the UAE.

Commenting on this year’s race, Cedric Betis, Chairman of Dubai Holding Wellness Committee, said: “2017 is a significant year for Dubai Holding as we celebrate two exceptional milestones; the 15th anniversary of Dubai’s flagship vertical race, as well as the 10th anniversary of the region’s first-of-its-kind corporate wellness programme. We are honoured to be opening the Vertical World Circuit, and we are anticipating another year of new course record. Dubai Holding SkyRun received an overwhelming response and the event was sold out in few weeks.”

He added: “We look forward to building on our progress from the past 10 years and we are proud to continue our contribution to our leadership’s vision of creating a happier, healthier and more active nation.”

Last year, the race welcomed over 360 participants, including five internationally renowned vertical runners; Emmanuel Manzi, Ignacio Cardona, Lenka Svabikova, Cristina Bonacina, and the course-record breaker for Dubai Holding SkyRun Piotr Lobodzinski. Participants also included UAE residents, wellness-focused corporates and Dubai Holding companies such as Jumeirah Group, TECOM Group and Dubai Properties Group led by Dubai Holding’s Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Ahmad Bin Byat.

The 2017 Vertical World Circuit is scheduled as follows:

  1. DUBAI: Dubai Holding SkyRun – March 3
  2. LONDON: Shelter Vertical Rush – March 9
  3. PARIS: VertiGO – May 18
  4. NEW YORK: T2T Tower Climb – June 4
  5. MANILA: Kerry Sports Manila Vertical Run – July 2
  6. BEIJING: China World Summit Wing Hotel Vertical Run – August 26
  7. SYDNEY: Sydney Tower Stair Challenge – August 27
  8. SHANGHAI: SHKP Vertical Run for Charity – Race to Shanghai IFC – October 22
  9. OSAKA: Harukas Skyrun – November 12
  10. HONG KONG: SHKP Vertical Run for Charity – Race to Hong Kong ICC – December 3

The race is a key element of the Dubai Holding Corporate Wellness Programme, which is celebrating its 10th year in 2017. Since its establishment in 2007, the multi-disciplinary programme, aimed at Dubai Holding employees, their families, and the wider community, has been a recipient of various local awards and recognitions.

In addition to SkyRun, Dubai Holding has sponsored and supported a series of activities across the Emirate. Last month Dubai Holding concluded the first-ever home-grown obstacle race in the UAE, where nearly 3,000 participants were led by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

In 2016, Dubai Holding SkyRun raised AED 114,850 for the Al Jalila Foundation. The Dubai Holding SkyRun is supported by Reebok, Barclays, Dubai Duty Free, du, Monviso, Sebamed, AlRawabi and Organic Foods and Cafe.

Cedric Betis, Chairman of Dubai Holding Wellness Committee

“2017 is a significant year for Dubai Holding as we celebrate two exceptional milestones; the 15th anniversary of Dubai’s flagship vertical race, as well as the 10th anniversary of the region’s first-of-its-kind corporate wellness programme.