Beijing unveiled the much-anticipated 2025 Huairou Great Wall Marathon & Zayed Charity Run at a major press conference on 18th August 2025. Organized by the Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run in cooperation with the People’s Government of Huairou District, this landmark event marks the race’s debut in Beijing on 21st September 2025.
The announcement gathered over 100 distinguished guests including senior government officials, sports leaders, diplomats, and media representatives from both the UAE and China. Their presence highlighted the run’s growing reputation as a platform for diplomatic engagement, sporting excellence, and cross-cultural collaboration.
The conference, hosted by the People’s Government of Huairou District with support from the UAE Embassy in Beijing, featured an engaging lineup—UAE-produced video presentations, introductions of dignitaries, a strategic race briefing by the Huairou Sports Bureau, and speeches from UAE and Chinese officials. Recognitions were given to event sponsors, outstanding partners, and athletes, further cementing the event’s prestige.
Among the prominent guests was Lieutenant General Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Zayed Charity Run, along with members of the Organising Committee. High-ranking Chinese officials representing various national, municipal, and district spheres also attended, underscoring the event’s importance on both a diplomatic and social level.
Adding a vibrant cultural dimension, the UAE delegation offered traditional Emirati refreshments, involved UAE-based media in the coverage, and presented multimedia content reflecting the Zayed Charity Run’s global charitable mission—which will expand to six countries during the 2025–2026 season.
“This event is more than just a race; it is a message of friendship and cooperation, and a celebration of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the People’s Republic of China — built on mutual trust, cultural exchange, innovation, and a shared spirit of humanitarian giving. Let us run together… for health, for friendship, and for the power of giving that unites hearts across distances and borders,” stated Lieutenant General Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi.
Scheduled for September 20, the 2025 Huairou Great Wall Marathon and Zayed Charity Run will host multiple cultural and sporting activities, with highlights including the innovative “Robot & Family Charity Run.” This new addition will feature the event’s first-ever robot race, a dedicated segment for people of determination, and a family fun run reinforcing community inclusivity.
From September 19 to 21, the “Emirati House” cultural fair at the Mutianyu Great Wall will introduce visitors to authentic Emirati traditions. Attendees can explore folk arts, intricate handicrafts, and savor traditional Emirati cuisine, while experiencing the renowned Emirati hospitality.
Founded in 2001 in Abu Dhabi, the Zayed Charity Run was inspired by the philanthropy and humanitarian values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Over 22 editions, the event has become a symbol of the UAE’s commitment to global goodwill, advancing love, peace, and compassion. The first race saw participation from more than 168,000 runners, laying the groundwork for its enduring legacy.
Since expanding internationally in 2005—first reaching New York City and then Cairo—the Run has been at the forefront of charitable initiatives, raising funds for treatment of chronic illnesses (including kidney disease, cancer, and heart conditions), supporting children’s hospitals, and contributing to medical research. Beyond fundraising, the Run promotes health awareness and encourages communities to lead active, healthy lives, making it a beacon for both humanitarian and social good.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
