Abu Dhabi's favourite family event, The WALK returns this November
30 October 2019
| Last updated on 24 November 2019
Pictured: Participants begin their 5km walk at The WALK 2018
Open for people of all ages and fitness levels, The WALK is a fun, family day out that everyone can enjoy.
The Capital's favourite event is returning this winter, as The WALK comes to Yas Marina Circuit on November 15.
Open to all, the event invites residents of Abu Dhabi to join this enjoyable community gathering, whether with your family or as a great day to spend time with your friends.
Organised by Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC), The WALK is one of the UAE's best-attended annual walkathon events and is the cornerstone of the organisation's Public Health Awareness campaign for boosting awareness about diabetes in the country.
Aiming to emphasise the importance of regular exercise for all, the 5k walk and all-day event encourages participants to adopt healthier habits when it comes to weight management and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
It's especially important here since over a million people are living with diabetes country-wide, placing the UAE as the 15th highest worldwide for age-adjusted comparative prevalence, according to research by the International Federation.
"More than just a walk, the event encourages UAE residents to adopt healthier habits in the long term", says Lawrence Patrick, Chief Executive Office of ICLDC.
"There are also a host of other fitness activities and health-related entertainment in addition to the 5km walk."
Pictured: Alongside the 5km walk, registrants can join in health-focused activities
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a full day of fun fitness activities with family and friends including music from a DJ, a climbing wall, trampolines and inflatable activities.
There'll also be fitness sessions such as Zumba, Pilates, and yoga, and nutritional cooking displays, in addition to special entertainment for children, including a magic show, soft obstacle course, and crafts and arts. There will also be food trucks serving healthy and fresh beverages.
Dr. Farhana bin Lootah, Internal Medicine Consultant at ICLDC, said: "The average adult spends more than half of their day in a sedentary mode which has been shown to slow down metabolism and affect the body's ability to regulate blood sugar and break down body fat.
"This is why it is very important to remind everyone of the benefits of physical exercise, including walking. It helps regulate blood sugar and increases sensitivity to insulin."
"The WALK 2019 is a very good reminder for all of us to start making changes in our lifestyles. Walking is easier than other types of physical activities and we can all do it and overcome any challenges we may face.
"Even if you have been leading a sedentary lifestyle for a long while, the important thing is to get started and invest in your future health."
Important details and how to register
- Date: Friday 15th November, 2019
- Timings: From 2pm onwards
- Location: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
- Price: AED 10 per person, under 16s enter for free
- Registration: Click here
Happening on November 15, The WALK is open to the general public and tickets are now on sale. Tickets cost AED 10 per person, and teens and children under the age of 16 years old can enter for free. Anyone can register by visiting the event's official website or by registering directly, here.
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