The race is on to find the Abu Dhabi's fittest company

Sixteen businesses in the capital are gearing up to prove they have the fittest employees, as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Dash relay challenge on Tuesday.

The competition, organised by Interact and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, features 10 teams of white-collar workers, who will run 15 kilometres at Zayed Sports City on Tuesday from 6.30pm. The teams feature a mix of nationalities and fitness levels, and each member will complete a 1.5km loop around the stadium.

The ­challenge was launched to promote a healthier lifestyle through friendly competition between organisations, while also raising funds for the ­Rahma Cancer Care Society.

Organisations participating this year include Abu Dhabi Retirement and Pensions and Benefit Fund, Abu Dhabi Sports ­Council, ­Daman, Emirates Steel, Mubadala, Masdar, Etihad Airways, Clyde and Co, and Abu Dhabi ­Media (which publishes The National).

The event is also supported by Daman Activelife and Haddins Gym. Teams were given race packs with T-shirts, numbers and the rules of the event. ­Runners were also encouraged to wear sports gear in their corporate colours.

“Abu Dhabi Dash aims to ­increase the awareness about the importance of sport exercises,” says Aref Hamad Al Awani, general secretary of the sports council.

“Taking part in this event will contribute to improving the physical fitness of participating employees and workers.”

He says sporting activities are increasingly becoming a part of residents’ lifestyle, and that such events encourage people to stay fit and active.

The race will be followed by an awards-ceremony and after-­party for the participants and their supporters at the interactive sports village, where food and drinks will be served, along with live entertainment from 8pm.

Sally Corander, the founder of Dubai Dash and managing director of Interact, is pleased with the reception it has received from the government corporate sectors.

“They understand the importance of engaging employees in this type of activity,” she says. “It’s a fantastic team race, accessible to all levels of fitness.”

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