The Great Wall Marathon of Huairou 2025 & Zayed Charity Run is underway in Beijing until 21 September 2025. The event is regarded as a unique global experience that integrates sport, culture, and community spirit.
The flagship 10km race, a robot run, a 5km family run and a dedicated run for People of Determination, is underway, with around 2,000 runners expected to take part. On the concluding day of the event, 21 September, both the full marathon and the half marathon will be held, with participation expected from approximately 15,000 runners representing countries across the globe.
In addition, the programme features a series of community and cultural activities, which continues until 22 September.
The United Arab Emirates Embassy to the People's Republic of China will also inaugurate the Al Bait Al Emarati as part of the race’s accompanying events. Hosted at Mutianyu Great Wall of China from 19-22 September, Al Bait Al Emarati cultural fair will showcase a rich programme of cultural activities, offering visitors an immersive experience of authentic Emirati traditions. Guests will be able to explore vibrant folk arts, admire intricate handicrafts, savor traditional Emirati cuisine, and enjoy the warmth and generosity of Emirati hospitality. The initiative is designed to highlight the UAE’s cultural identity and humanitarian values to a global audience.
This year’s marathon is organised in collaboration with the People’s Government of Huairou District, Beijing Municipality, the Beijing Athletics Association, and the Huairou District Sports Bureau, in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run and with the support of the United Arab Emirates Embassy to the People's Republic of China. It represents the largest sporting event ever held at the district level in Beijing, underscoring the deepening sports and cultural ties between the two nations.
Lt General (retired) Mohamed Helal Alkaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, said: “The Zayed Charity Run was launched in Abu Dhabi in 2001 as a beacon illuminating the paths of giving. Since then, it has grown into an international event and today reaches Beijing in collaboration with the Great Wall Marathon in Huairou. It proudly carries the name of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, reinforcing the values of generosity, humanity, and support for patients and those in need around the world.”
This relationship has not only been about spreading the values of giving but also reflects the UAE’s appreciation for world heritage. It has laid the foundation for a deep and enduring partnership with China, built on mutual respect, cultural exchange, and a shared vision for the future.”
Throughout its history, the run has remained committed to supporting local charities in every host city. In this year’s Beijing edition, donations will go to the Huairou District Women’s Federation, the Huairou District Disabled Persons’ Federation, the Red Cross Society in Beijing Huairou, and the Children’s Welfare Institute in Huairou. This reflects the authentic values of the run and embodies its ongoing commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need.”
His Excellency Hussain Al Hammadi, the UAE Ambassador to China, said: “Hosting the Zayed Charity Run on the friendly soil of China, in the iconic setting of the Great Wall, reflects the UAE’s strategic vision of using sport as a bridge for human connection and a means of promoting the values of solidarity and tolerance. This humanitarian initiative is inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, and reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to supporting global health initiatives that improve quality of life and uphold human dignity.
“Cooperation extends beyond sports to encompass culture and society as well. The accompanying Al Bait Al Emarati cultural fair highlights our nation’s civilisational identity and introduces the world to our authentic traditions and values, fostering deeper mutual understanding and opening new horizons for future cooperation. Combining sport and culture within a single event reflects the UAE’s holistic humanitarian vision, one that embraces the principles of generosity and tolerance to build bridges of communication between nations.”
The 2025–2026 season will mark the most significant expansion in the history of the Zayed Charity Run, with six major international stops: the People’s Republic of China, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, the United States and Hungary. This milestone underscores the race’s growing global presence, as it will, for the first time, span three new continents, Asia, South America, and Europe, building on the success of its established editions in Abu Dhabi, New York, and Cairo.
The event marks a new chapter in the journey of the Zayed Charity Run, which was first launched in Abu Dhabi in 2001, inspired by the noble humanitarian values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, in the field of charitable and humanitarian work. Since then, the run has expanded through 22 local editions and several international editions, including New York since 2005 and Cairo since 2014, growing into a global symbol of the UAE that unites humanitarian and sporting goals. It helps support those in need, most notably supporting treatment for patients with chronic illnesses such as kidney disease, cancer, and heart conditions, while also contributing to children’s hospitals and medical research.
From its origins in Abu Dhabi to capitals around the world, the Zayed Charity Run continues to strengthen the UAE’s identity as a symbol of tolerance and humanitarian solidarity, while honouring the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in serving humanity. Proceeds from the marathon will support global health and humanitarian initiatives, including the treatment of kidney, liver, and cancer diseases, delivering a humanitarian message that transcends borders.
