Dubai Holding Marks Dubai Fitness Challenge with the Return of the Citys Official Vertical Race

Dubai Holding SkyRun to be held on October 25th, 2019 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers
The race is recognised as part of the elite Vertical World Circuit, and the only official vertical run in the Middle East
Participants will be joined by over 15 international sky running athletes
All funds raised from race to be donated to Al Jalila Foundations obesity research

As Dubai riggings up for the Dubai Fitness Challenge that commences in only 10 days, Dubai Holding today declared its commitment to this exceptionally anticipated month of fitness, with the arrival of Dubais authentic vertical race: Dubai Holding SkyRun 2019.

Held in association with Dubai Sports Council (DSC), International SkyRunning Federation, Vertical World Circuit, Talise Fitness and Jumeirah Group, the 16th edition of the charitable race will be held on October 25th, 2019 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers (JET).

Proficient athletes, sports enthusiasts and amateurs from the UAE and around the globe will handle a difficult course stretching 1,334 steps over 52 floors of Dubais iconic Jumeirah Emirates Towers Offices. This year, members will be joined by more than 15 international sky running athletes, including Gretta Beckett, Omar Bekkali and Piotr Lobodzinski - the top winner of the past two editions of the race.

Remarking on this years run, Amit Kaushal, Group Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Holding, stated: We are excited to launch the Citys official vertical run to mark our commitment to this years Dubai Fitness Challenge in support of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai to help change the Emirate into one of the most active cities in the world. The 2019 edition is perceived as the 5th highest iconic skyscraper and the only official vertical race in the Middle East joining a circuit of prestigious towers in world-class cities such as New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Seoul.

Kaushal included: Intended for wellness enthusiasts from all fitness levels and backgrounds, the charitable race has played a key role in supporting Dubai Holdings continuous endeavors to promote corporate wellness and fitness amongst its employees and the wider community. It has also allowed us to help Dubai residents move one step closer toward accomplishing their fitness goals.

The Dubai Holding SkyRun is part of the elite Vertical World Circuit, composed by the International Skyrunning Federation. The race incorporates 3 categories Individual-Female, Individual-Male, and Team and the top three from each category will receive prizes.

Khalid Al Awar, Director of Sports Events Department, Dubai Sports Council, stated: Dubai is increasing a notoriety of being a city of Challenges we have difficulties on ice, mud, in the desert and the hills. And after that we have the Dubai Holding SkyRun. Its a unique challenge and the ultimate test of endurance and human spirit.
Dubai Holding SkyRun is the only official vertical kept running in the Middle East and it is being sorted out as a part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, which is the greatest celebration of sports and physical activity anywhere in the world given the sheer number of participants it attracts across 30 days.

We will see 15 elite international sky-runners in action this year, yet I am sure many members of our community will be keen on testing themselves in this vertical run because that is what the Dubai Fitness Challenge is all about: about challenging and yourself.

On his part, Jose Silva, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group stated: Wellness has turned out to be progressively imperative to our guests and as part of our strategy, we are focused on developing innovative health and fitness collaborations that enhance the Jumeirah experience. This year, we are once again gladly supporting the Dubai Holding SkyRun, which will see participants race up 52 floors of one of our most iconic hotels, Jumeirah Emirates Towers. We hope that some of our guests will join the elite athletes and residents of Dubai to take part in this challenge, support an excellent cause and take home a truly memorable experience.

As the exclusive partner and official recipient of Dubai Holdings wellness events since 2014, Al Jalila Foundation will get continues from the race to advance its obesity research studies. Since the two substances have inked their partnership, Dubai Holding has contributed over AED 5 million to Al Jalila Foundations Obesity Research Fund.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, stated: "We are glad for our long association with Dubai Holding, a pioneer in launching wellness and fitness initiatives, who has contributed widely to Al Jalila Foundation obesity research fund through contribution of funds as well as hosting regular community sports events under the groups Wellness Programme. The increase in lifestyle related diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes underscores the need for long-term funding for scientific research, and it is encouraging to see organisations like Dubai Holding leading the national conversation. Al Jalila Foundation is delighted to be the official beneficiary of the Dubai Holding SkyRun, and we are appreciative for the chance to spread our message in the network.

This years edition will also be joined by the acclaimed TeamAngelWolf a Dubai-based socially active family, The Watsons, with their 13-year-old Person of Determination, Rio. The family previously competed in a number of Dubai Holding wellness initiatives and successfully completed the Dubai Holding SkyRun 2017 despite Rios disabilities.

In the races previous edition, a new course record was set by Piotr Lobodzinski who completed the race in 7 minutes and 9 seconds, an improvement of 9 seconds from his time (7 minutes and 18 seconds) in 2016. Suzy Walsham also cut off 22 seconds from her time in 2016 year, recording 8 minutes and 16 seconds to complete the Dubai Holding SkyRun 2017.