On the 8th of April, Dubai Holding, in partnership with Jumeirah Emirates Towers welcomed Polish runner, Piotr Lobodzinski to the podium after setting a course record for the 2016 Dubai Holding Skyrun after scaling 1,334 steps; 265 metres and 52 floors to reach the top of the Emirates Towers building. He completed the iconic and popular race with a time of 7 minutes and 18 seconds.
An official event of the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Holding SkyRun saw a record participation of 363 runners at the 14th edition of the race, which is organised in support of Al Jalila Foundation’s obesity research. The event is the second race in the Vertical World Circuit (VWC) of skyscraper runs in iconic towers in famous cities. The VWC 2016 kicked off in London in March before moving along to Dubai, and will continue onwards to Paris, Manila, Sydney, Beijing, Shanghai to conclude with the Grand Finale in Hong Kong.
His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council awarded the prizes to the fastest winners. Other than Piotr, who has set the current fastest record other winners include the fastest female runner, Suzanne Walsham who reached the top in 8 minutes and 38 seconds. For the team leg of the race, the win was given to Talise Fitness JBH who completed the race in 12 minutes and 6 seconds.
Participants included UAE residents, international elite runners and wellness-focussed companies, as well as Dubai Holding’s very own team led by Ahmad Bin Byat, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the company. All proceeds of the event go to the generous cause of supporting obesity research in the UAE.
Talking about the causes that are being supported by the Skyrun, Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, commented: “It is very gratifying to see our partnership with Dubai Holding on promoting health and wellbeing in the UAE go from strength to strength. All funds raised at the Dubai Holding SkyRun will support obesity research, a major concern in the UAE and the region. Over the years, we have been able to successfully invest in and advance medical research to address lifestyle related diseases, namely diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. This further complements the positive steps that companies like Dubai Holding are taking to foster a fitter, healthier and more productive workforce and community.”
The Dubai Holding SkyRun was organised by Talise Fitness and hosted by Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Other sponsors includedTechnogym, SHARP- ITL COSMOS GROUP, Dubai Eye 103.8, Physique TV , Coco Pro, Costa,
Dubai Bone and JointCenter, du, MonViso, noviplus, OutdoorUAE, Reebok and Spinneys.
Dubai Holding SkyRun is a key pillar of Dubai Holding’s Corporate Wellness Programme, an award-winning wellness programme that is completing its 10th year in 2017.
Words + Photos supplied by: Dubai Holding
