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Thousands of supporters put their best foot forward to raise funds and awareness about sickle cell anaemia at the ninth annual Jawad Mini Marathon.
Local and expat runners and walkers joined together for a 5km and 8km challenge on a course designed along the busy Budaiya Highway. One lane was taped off to allow safe passage for the entrants in an event held under the patronage of Northern Governor, Ali Al Asfoor.
Supporters had rallied to a call made by charity champion Mohammed Al Asfoor in GulfWeekly to support the initiative and help towards buying blood exchange devices which will make the treatment for sufferers of the disease more tolerable.
The mini-marathon was held under the slogan ‘Help the Cause. Run, Walk for Sickle Cell’ and it started and finished at Jawad Dome in Barbar.
Participants aged nine and above entered the 5km run while those over 16 could also compete in a 8km challenge. A 5km walkathon was also held. More than 30 special needs athletes also took part alongside families.
“We raised more than BD2,000 for the cause which is more than we expected thanks to huge participation,” added Haseen Chhaya, Jawad’s group marketing manager.
All proceeds will go towards organisations supporting those suffering from sickle cell. Six people have died so far this year from complications arising from the condition, while 31 deaths were recorded in 2015.
