Three UAE Olympic heroes from this summer’s Games in Rio will join thousands of night-running party-goers this Friday, as the world’s brightest 5k – Daman’s Active Life Electric Run – returns to Dubai with a RECHARGED format featuring a new tree-lined venue, improved courselands and new wearable technology.
The national heroes – swimmer and UAE flag-bearer Nada Al Bedwawi, teammate Yaqoub Al Saadi and weightlifter Ayesha Al Balooshi – who represented the UAE in Rio will join thousands in the stunning Zabeel Park to take part in the iconic fusion of world-class DJs, 5k night-run, spectacular light show, epic end of race party, electronic beats and fancy-dress.
“I like to take some time off every once in a while and do something that is fun, still involves some sort of movement and also something I can get my friends involved in,” said 19-year-old Al Bedwawi, UAE’s first female Olympic swimmer and flag-bearer in Rio.
“Now with the weather cooling down I like to train and have fun in the outdoors more than anything else. Electric Run is the perfect night out for us because we can socialise, run, walk and dance while listening to music,” continued Al Bedwawi who described her experience in Rio as the ‘proudest moment of her life.’
Joining the Olympic trio is one of the most successful middle distance runners in Olympic history – double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes – who was the official starter of the inaugural Electric Run in Dubai in 2015. Holmes will join thousands of revellers in celebrating the UAE national heroes and join them on the start line this Friday.
“I went to my first Electric Run last year in Dubai and instantly fell in love with the event. You’ve got everything you need for a brilliant night out – neon lights everywhere you go, live music throughout the course and loads of entertainment on and off the course. I am thrilled to be coming down to the event this weekend,” said Dame Kelly who has been a regular visitor to the region.
Top UAE female weightlifter, Ayesha Al Balooshi, is also looking forward to joining her friends at Zabeel Park for the sensational 5k run and party. “I am an advocate for new events that encourage women to get active in a social environment. When I was invited to participate in Electric Run I thought to myself that this is fantastic and I must invite everyone I know to do this with me. We don’t have many excuses to get active so this event is definitely one good excuse to get us completing a 5k on a weekend.”
The new RECHARGED venue at Zabeel Park has been significantly upgraded from 2015 and will take Electric Runners on an electrifying journey through nine themed Courselands, including three that are new to Dubai – the Disco and EDM (Electronic Dance music) party zones, and Electric Avenue. Runners will also be treated to new wearable technology, an illuminating LED bracelet that syncs with various soundtracks throughout several Courselands and with the beats of other runners. The epic post-run concert marks the end of the night where everyone, decked out in neon attire, can enjoy energetic beats and become part of the thrilling show.
Registrations are now open on www.ElectricRun.ae starting from AED 200. This year, Electric Run has introduced the Deluxe Package, starting from AED 280, which will include a deluxe glow pack with LED shades, party foam baton and LED jelly ring in addition to priority line at packet pickup. People can also register through any GO Sport store and selected Fitness First clubs – Uptown Mirdiff, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai Festival Centre, Deira City Centre, Burjuman Centre, Dubai Financial Gate, Beach Park Plaza, Dalma Mall, Oasis Centre Dubai, Al Rasis Business Centre, Ibn Battuta Mall and Motor City. In Sharjah Al Fardan, Safeer Mall and Sahara Centre.