Sharjah24: Friends of Arthritis Patients Association (FOAP) at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs successfully concluded on Saturday the activities of the 9th annual charitable marathon, which took place under the theme "Taking action is all in your hands."

The Association awarded the winners of the first three places in the marathon, which included more than 2,000 racers of different ages and nationalities. A number of renowned sports figures, doctors, and health specialists also took part in the event.

The activities of the marathon were attended by Waheeda Abdel Aziz, Head of the Arthritis Patients Friends Association, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Acting Executive Director of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and Ahmed Al Hosani, Executive Director of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club.

The event featured various activities, including live show of self-defense sports, a rowing race, in addition to exercises and sports activities, while the various stages of the marathon saw a tough competition among the participants.

Waheeda Abdel Aziz expressed happiness at the overwhelming participation of community members in FOAP's annual charitable marathon, which comes in line with the vision and directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, on the need to launch campaigns and programs to educate community members on ways to prevent arthritis and provide support to patients.

Abdel Aziz underlined that such events would help enhance Sharjah's efforts to consolidate healthy lifestyles as a daily practice to prevent arthritis and other chronic diseases.

She thanked the participants in the 9th marathon for their response to the Association and their interaction with its awareness message on arthritis.

The marathon took place along Al Mamzar Beach, amid a very exciting atmosphere, where the participants sought to demonstrate their physical abilities to win the race.

The Head of the Arthritis Patients Friends Association honored the winners at the end of the marathon. This year's marathon featured a new category, namely ‘doctors and specialists’ category, in order to bring doctors and patients closer and benefit from their views and advice. The marathon also included five stages for five categories, according to their ages and motor abilities.