Abu Dhabi invites residents for a 1,000-kilometre walk
Active Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Emirates Foundation and PureHealth, on Sunday announced the launch of Walk 1000, an initiative aimed at promoting health and fitness among Abu Dhabi residents, with a 1,000-kilometre walk as the main event.
The 30-day event will kick off on November 1 with the support of the Community Development Department, Abu Dhabi Police and the Ministry of Defence.
The flagship event – a 1,000-kilometre walk, equivalent to about 24 marathons – will start at Al Sila, go through the Liwa Desert, past Jabel Hafeet, up to Al Ain, and end at Al Wathba. The group of participants will walk an average of 33 kilometres per day and the route will cover 30 sites of cultural, historical and environmental significance.
Ten athletes will take part in the walk: Mansour Al Dhaheri, Faisal Alketbi, Khalifa Almazrouei, Aisha Almemari, Khalfan Alqaabi, Ohoud Al Dhaheri, Jurri Duqay, Becky Gosni, Tarek Ahmed, Daniel Tesfaye. Their journey can be followed in a documentary to be aired in March 2025.
Members of the public will also be able to take part in the walk, and details will soon be available on Active Abu Dhabi’s official social media pages. Residents are encouraged to take on the 30-day challenge, walking 6,000 steps per day.
The steps along the route will feature sites that have been chosen for their historical and cultural significance, representing the heritage and history of the Abu Dhabi region. Environmental sites include the Baynounah Houbara Bird Sanctuary and technological sites include the Al Sadeem Observatory.
Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation, said: ‘Our aim is to inspire the people of Abu Dhabi to be part of a happy, healthy and cohesive society. The Walk 1000 by Active Abu Dhabi will help us bring about positive behavioural change for all members of the community, while helping to appreciate and preserve our rich cultural heritage, highlight our innovative centres of technological excellence and raise awareness of the need to further protect the environment.’
Mansoor Al Daheri, Founder of Active Abu Dhabi, said: ‘I am very proud to help create another opportunity for Abu Dhabi residents to get outdoors and get active. Whatever your age or ability level, walking and various community orientated activities are the perfect opportunity to make a lifestyle change and start your journey towards health and fitness.’
Source: Gulf News
