Sharjah: The Sharjah Sports Council, in collaboration with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), concluded the Sharjah Lights Run, a community sporting event held under the umbrella of the 15th Sharjah Light Festival, themed Reflections of Belonging. The event witnessed broad participation from community members of various ages and nationalities, fostering a community spirit and promoting healthy lifestyles.
According to Emirates News Agency, the race commenced from the Lights Village opposite University City Hall in Sharjah. Routes were set within University City across multiple distances of 1km, 2.5km, 5km, and 10km, enabling participation by families, beginners, and experienced runners alike, blending physical activity with togetherness.
Organising the Sharjah Lights Run as part of the festival highlighted its community dimension, transitioning the event from a visual and artistic experience into an interactive platform that strengthens social bonds and promotes healthy practices. This aligns with the Emirate's vision of integrating culture, art, sport, and social responsibility through major events.
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, stated, 'The Sharjah Lights Run initiative extends the Sharjah Lights Festival's vision beyond the artistic dimension, enhancing quality of life and reinforcing community participation and healthy lifestyles.'
He further explained that the festival acts as a strategic platform, reflecting Sharjah's global cultural and tourism standing by using major events to boost community engagement and support cultural and tourism activities. These initiatives aim to expand the festival's impact to include social and humanitarian aspects, aligning with Sharjah's development vision of investing in people and sustaining quality of life.
Mohammed Obaid Al Hosan, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Sports Council, noted that hosting the community sporting event alongside this year's festival added significant value and emphasized the importance of sport in people's lives. He affirmed the Council's commitment to promoting sports culture and encouraging regular physical activity, highlighting the strong turnout and notable competition across the various race categories.