Emirati runners clinch 10K and 5K title at Dubai Holding Women’s Run 2014

Dubai, 7 November 2014 - Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the National Olympic Committee (NOC), the 2014 Dubai Holding Women’s Run saw Emirati Runners take centre stage in both 10K and 5K races held today at Jumeirah Beach Road.

The top three runners in the 10K race are Alia Mohammed Saeed (UAE), Sentayehu Getachew (Ethiopia) and Esma Aydemir (Turkey) who finished in 0:35:25, 0:35:41 and 0:35:52, respectively. In the 5K category, Betlhem Desalgn Belaynah (UAE), Biljana Cvijanović (Serbia) and Ajeba Batukan (Ethiopia) took the first three places on the podium, completing the race in 0:17:10, 0:17:24 and 0:17:44.

Dubai Holding sponsored cash prizes totalling AED 90,000 for the ten fastest runners in general category of 10K and 5K races and the three fastest Emirati runners in 10K and 5K categories.

Khalfan Belhoul, Vice President – Strategy at Dubai Holding, who presented the prizes to the winners, said: “We are especially proud to see Emirati runners finish fastest in both categories. Such a large turnout of women is very encouraging as the race gains international momentum. I want to congratulate all participants and very much look forward to next year’s event. Dubai Holding is pleased to see its wellness culture focused on physical activity and healthy behaviours transcend our corporate offices to the wider community of Dubai.”

Ahmad Al Kamali, Chairman, Dubai Holding Women’s Run, added: “I am pleased to see so many elite international runners competing for the title. This race has truly carved a place for itself on the international circuit and we aim to see more runners from abroad in the coming years, as well as an increase in participation from UAE Nationals and residents. I want to thank all those involved in the planning and organisation, and applaud all participants for joining us here today.”