The second edition of Expo Run attracted approximately 3,500 participants.
On Saturday morning, visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai were in a different mood. As they took part in the second edition of Expo Run, their adrenaline levels were at an all-time high, and their spirits were flying.
Residents and visitors arrived at the Expo site dressed in track pants, jackets, and running shoes as early as 6 a.m. They might select between three distinct runs: 3km, 5km, and 10km.
Around 3,500 people attended the ceremony, all wearing fuchsia pink Expo 2020 Dubai t-shirts. Runners of various ages, including infants in strollers, children, parents, and grandparents, took part in the race.
The race began in the Qatar Pavilion and brought competitors through winding pathways that took them by three thematic pavilions and various country pavilions before ending at Jubilee Park.
After that, the runners proceeded to the Festival Garden arena for the awards ceremony and some complementary refreshments. Everyone who took part was granted a complimentary one-day admission to Expo 2020.
Marwell Ramos of the Philippines won the 10km Men’s Run in 28 minutes 50 seconds, more than two minutes ahead of second-place finisher Brahim Slimani of Morocco, while Reichelle Demdam of the Philippines won the Women’s 10km Run and finished ninth overall.
“It’s a fantastic feeling to be a part of the Expo Run.” Martin Parez, an Argentinian expat working at Expo 2020 Dubai, remarked, “The experience was something else that cannot be explained in words.”
Martin has been working at the world fair for the past seven months and says that the atmosphere was buzzing this morning. “I come here to work every day.” “Today, however, it was for fitness, which Expo 2020 Dubai clearly promotes,” Martin explained.
Martin, who worked seven years ago for a major airline, returned to Dubai to work at the Expo. He now intends to remain in Dubai following the event. “Dubai has evolved a lot,” he said, adding that the city is the event capital of the world.
Many participants are eagerly anticipating future versions. Aarash Youssef, a fitness fanatic and senior sales and leasing consultant at a real estate business, is one of them. He has attended almost all the country’s fitness events on a regular basis. “I’m sure everyone who participated had a good time and is looking forward to Expo Run 3,” he added.
“I’ve done practically all of the fitness and running competitions, but this was incredible.” “I met several like-minded-wonderful people, had fantastic management and assistance from event organizers, and had a terrific time overall,” Arash said.
The manner the organizers hosted the event, taking into mind all of the Covid-19 regulations, was praised by the attendees.
“The throng was dispersed, and the event was well-organized by the organizers.” “I met a lot of like-minded folks from all around the world,” said Ion Gonzaga, a digital designer from the Philippines.
Ion took on a 5-kilometer challenge and was training for the race after missing the inaugural edition. “Three years ago, I was diagnosed with a medical issue, and my doctor told me not to run a marathon. “I made it to the 5 km event today and will be aiming for longer distances in the coming future,” he continued.