In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Abu Dhabi’s national airline, the Etihad Sports and Social Committee organized a charity fun run with all proceeds going to the Zayed Higher Organization Autism Centre.

Event details

Date: Friday, 26 April 2013 | Time: 4:00 PM– 7:00 PM Location: Abu Dhabi Corniche | Starting point: Al Sahil Maydan Distance: 5 KM only | Participants: Open to all UAE residents open age | Fee: 30 AED adults & AED 20 students I was there in body but not in spirit.

It was my first fun run in the UAE and I disappointed myself by breaking one major run rule. I ate a huge savory meal just before the run.

I planned my training one month before the run and I only did 3 slow jogs in that one whole month. I have no excuse. I was a lazy unmotivated runner.

The only reason I pushed myself to show up is because the running area is close to my house and the weather was too nice to snob.

Of the hundred people who showed up, I didn’t know anyone (except for coach and a teammate). That’s how anti-social I am.

I’m happy that way because then I can just quietly sit in my corner observing people and taking random shots of strangers.

My favorite part of a race is when the whistle blows and everyone loudly howls and burst in a run of pure energy!

We caused a huge traffic jam in the stretch of Corniche for about an hour.

Two of the five winners who each won a pair of tickets to any Etihad Airway’s destination were very fit and pretty ladies. I have yet to find a picture of them. I tried taking a shot but there was an army of labor men (non-runners) gawking in front of the stage.

All in all, I didn’t regret showing up. May my little run help an autistic child in some way. God bless their special hearts.

Think of it: a disability is usually defined in terms of what is missing… Autism is as much about what is abundant as what is missing, an over-expression of the very traits that make our species unique. – P. Collins.