Shelly Guni
Dubai-based marathon runner Royal Mabika will take part in the Zayed Charity Marathon for the first time in what he has described as a life-changing opportunity.
The race, which will be held on November 19, 2022, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, will see runners from position one to 40 get monetary prizes.
The Zayed Charity Marathon, the famous humanitarian event celebrated across the globe, was established in 2001. The inclusive and charitable annual race is held in tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE, who was himself a passionate humanitarian.
The marathon represents the UAE’s vision of spreading love and peace worldwide, and it has previously been held internationally in New York, the USA, and Egypt.
Mabika told Review Sport from his base that while he was confident of doing well, the race would not be an easy walk in the park.
“I’m looking forward to a great race in Abu Dhabi on Saturday; I think it’s one of those life-changing running events for us here as experts’ athletes. The UAE federation has put money into this great running event,” he said.
He added; “It will be my very first time running this particular one because it’s a new edition held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed of Abu Dhabi.”
Mabika recently came in third during the Mai Dubai City half marathon two weeks ago.
The Zayed marathon will come before his final race of the year, set for December 29, dubbed the Ajman marathon.
“As next week approaches, I will run my best, but I can’t really raise hopes as I will be competing with elite athletes from all over the world.”