China-UAE charity marathon draws 17,000 runners to Great Wall

A staff member and visitor interact at the "Al Bait Al Emarati" cultural fair at Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing, Sept. 19, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The Great Wall Marathon of Huairou 2025 and Zayed Charity Run kicked off in Beijing on Saturday, with about 2,000 runners participating in the first day of events organized jointly by China and the United Arab Emirates.

Saturday's events included 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer races, a robot run and a race for people with disabilities. The main marathon events on Sunday attracted nearly 15,000 runners from multiple countries.

In addition to the races, the UAE Embassy in China launched a cultural fair called "Al Bait Al Emarati" at the Mutianyu Great Wall, running through Monday. The exhibition features Emirati folk arts, handicrafts, cuisine and cultural displays aimed at international visitors.

Lt. Gen. Mohamed Helal Alkaabi (retired), chairman of the Zayed Charity Run organizing committee, said the charity run began in Abu Dhabi in 2001 and honors the UAE's founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

"It proudly carries the name of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, reinforcing the values of generosity, humanity and support for patients and those in need around the world," he said. He added that the partnership with the Great Wall Marathon reflects the UAE's appreciation for world heritage and builds deeper ties with China.

UAE Ambassador to China Hussain Al Hammadi said hosting the Zayed Charity Run at the Great Wall aligns with the UAE's "strategic vision of using sport as a bridge for human connection and a means of promoting the values of solidarity and tolerance."

He tied the initiative to Sheikh Zayed's legacy, adding that the cultural fair would promote "deeper mutual understanding" and that combining sport and culture reflects the UAE's "holistic humanitarian vision."

Since its launch in Abu Dhabi, the Zayed Charity Run has expanded to 22 locations across the UAE and internationally, including New York and Cairo. The event raises funds for patients with chronic diseases and supports children's hospitals and medical research.

Saturday's event was the first time the charity run was held in China. The organization plans to expand to Brazil and Hungary this season, bringing its total presence to six countries.

The marathon was organized by Beijing's Huairou district government, the Beijing Athletics Association and local sports authorities in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run and the UAE Embassy in China. Proceeds will support health and humanitarian programs globally.