Zayed Charity Run unites over 2,000 runners in Rio de Janeiro, advancing its global humanitarian mission

RIO DE JANEIRO (WAM)

The Zayed Charity Run successfully concluded its second edition in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, bringing together more than 2,000 runners from Rio de Janeiro, alongside 50 runners from the UAE at Flamengo Beach in a vibrant celebration of sport, community and humanitarian giving.

Professional athletes, amateur runners, families and participants from diverse backgrounds took part in the 5km and 10km runs, alongside a programme of community activities and entertainment that reflected the inclusive spirit of the event.

The 2026 edition offered a total prize pool exceeding BRL 500,000, with awards presented to leading male and female finishers across both distances, in addition to cash prizes and Emirates Airline ticket draws.

In the 5km category, Vitor Ferreira Dos Santos claimed first place in the men’s division, while Djenyfer Arnold secured first place in the women’s division.

In the 10km category, Bekele Felene Tarniru topped the men’s field, with Aynalem Debele Ketema taking first place in the women’s division.

In the 5km PCD category, Jean Oliveira Da Silva claimed first place in the men’s division, while Antonia Keyla Da Silva Barros secured first place in the women’s division.

The winners were honoured during an official ceremony recognising sporting excellence, determination and achievement.

At the heart of the Rio de Janeiro edition was its humanitarian mission. All registration proceeds will support Grupo Cultural AfroReggae through the Criança Esperança programme, contributing to initiatives focused on education, culture and social inclusion, while creating new opportunities for children and young people across participating communities.

Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, expressed his appreciation to the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Brazil, as well as the event’s partners and sponsors, for their support and collaboration in delivering the second Brazilian edition and strengthening its sporting and humanitarian impact.

He said: “The success of the Zayed Charity Run in Rio de Janeiro reflects the enduring power of sport to unite people around a shared humanitarian purpose. Beyond the competition, every edition carries forward the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the values of giving, compassion and service to others. We are proud to see participants, partners and the wider community come together to create an impact that extends far beyond the finish line.”

He added: "It is reflected in the support generated for humanitarian causes, the communities brought together through sport, and the shared commitment of our partners and participants to giving. This is the true strength of the Zayed Charity Run and what continues to drive its humanitarian mission around the world.”

The event was organised by the Zayed Charity Run and ERTH Abu Dhabi, with the support of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Brazil, alongside sponsorship from ERTH Abu Dhabi, L’IMAD, Emirates Airline and Mubadala.

Since its launch in Abu Dhabi in 2001, the Zayed Charity Run has expanded its international presence across major cities including New York, Cairo, Miami, Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, Budapest and Addis Ababa, establishing itself as a global platform that connects sport with humanitarian action and brings communities together around the values of giving and solidarity.

The successful second edition in Rio de Janeiro further strengthens the Zayed Charity Run’s presence in Brazil and reinforces its enduring message, “Run for Kindness”, demonstrating how sport can bring people together while creating meaningful and lasting humanitarian impact.