Get a group together and get walking…

Want to get fit and do some good? Well then, sign up for the Relay for Life, a 24-hour walk that’s set to take place in Sharjah on November 17 and 18.

The Relay for Life is actually a global event, with walks held across six continents and 29 countries around the world. This year will be the first time it comes to the UAE, as part of a collaboration between Friends of Cancer Patients, the American Cancer Society and the American University of Sharjah, which is where the race will start.

Relay for Life starting line

The event was started back in 1985 in America by Dr Gordy Klatt, who wanted to raise money for his local cancer charity and raise awareness of and research funds for cancer. He spent 24 hours by himself walking around a track, and ended up raising over $27,000 (around Dhs100,000). Since then, Relay for Life events have raised over $5 billion (around Dhs18 billion) around the world.

Don’t worry though, you won’t have to walk for 24 hours by yourself. The point of the relay is to compete as a group, whether with friends and family members, or as a corporate team. Alongside the walk itself, there’ll be loads of activities onsite, place to set up your camp, and plenty of food, beverage and entertainment to keep you going throughout the night (it takes place from 4pm to 4pm the next day).

Relay for Life 2

The aim of the Relay for Life is to raise funds for the support of cancer patients (it is, after all, the Year of Giving in the UAE) and raise awareness of the disease itself. Research shows that early detection is crucial for improving survival rates for many cancers.

Plus, the event is a chance to celebrate survivors and to commemorate those who’ve been lost.

Around 5,000 people are expected to take part. Fancy getting involved? Registration is open. Race registration costs Dhs100 for adults and Dhs60 for children, and all proceeds from the race fees will go to charity.

November 17 and 18. For more info and registration visit the website.