Fifth Beat Diabetes Walkathon to Offer Sporty Family Fun at Zabeel Park

Landmark Group invites Community to Join Fifth Beat Diabetes Walkathon for a Healthy and Fun Morning at the Park

Dubai-UAE: 16 November, 2013 – New statistics from International Diabetes Federation's (IDF) sixth diabetes atlas reveal 745,000 residents of the UAE – amounting to almost 10 per cent of the population – are impacted by the condition. The good news is that diabetes can be managed if detected early and monitored closely. Life for a person with the condition can be complete, with fulfilling experiences and positive energy.

The Beat Diabetes initiative is set to reinforce this empowering message and spread greater awareness about the condition at the fifth annual walkathon on Friday, 22 November. Organisers Landmark Group is set to bring the community together at Zabeel Park in Dubai, with a view to making it a morning of fun activities. 

Come Friday, Zabeel Park will abound with family-friendly fun that emphasizes the benefits of staying active and eating healthy. Participants will be provided free access to the park, courtesy Dubai Municipality through its Public Parks and Horticulture Department. The walk kits which include free blue t-shirts and caps will be distributed from 7:00am onwards.

The walkathon, which kicks off at 8:00am, will be preceded by the registration and warm up session hosted by popular Dubai-based RJs. Following the two-kilometer walk, participants will be encouraged to benefit from a free blood glucose test administered by trained medical professionals and enjoy complimentary refreshments. The morning's fun will then continue at a Mega Ball replete with entertainment, wellness, food, and fun contests.

A specially created entertainment zone will provide non-stop jamboree to children with a mix of complimentary activities such as face painting, balloon bending, acts by mime artists and magicians. At the arts and crafts corner, little ones will be invited to paint mugs and t-shirts, craft jewelry and badges, or indulge in rubber art. The multi-playground promises more fun with a bouncy castle and inflatable slides. Participants with an adventurous streak could also climb walls, play soccer or basketball, box or ride a rodeo bull for a nominal price.

Live performances by a professional band playing popular crowd favourites will add zest to the morning. Popular drumming groups, the Aga Khan Scouts and Guides Band will lend some foot-tapping buzz. While the spontaneous Zumba workshops promise to keep people on their toes, the yoga sessions will provide a calming experience.

The fun at the Beat Diabetes Walkathon will continue at the ‘Fitness Challenge Zone' that tests enthusiasts' endurance levels in spot fitness activities. At a special Family Zone, participants could get their photos clicked along with fun cut-outs or indulge in family-centric games. To complete the experience, sports massages will be on offer to iron out any tired limbs after the walkathon.

Walkathoners can also indulge in a spot of retail therapy at a special market for diabetes-friendly products, organic foods, artisans stalls and more.

Meanwhile, the truly competitive sorts can take part in the spot games that will give away vouchers from retail outlets such as Max, Centrepoint and Home Centre, plus a three month membership from Fitness First.

Every walker will also get the chance to win up to 250,000 Shukran points, the Landmark Group's loyalty programme, as well as special gift hampers from other Landmark Group brands.

To register for the walkathon visit Oasis Centre, Dubai, as well as all Centrepoint, Home Centre, Max, Fitness First outlets and iCare Clinics in the UAE or register online at www.beatdiabetes.me

The walkathon will take off from Area A, Gate 1, Zabeel Park.
Snapshot of the Walkathon:
Event name + description  Landmark Group's ‘Beat Diabetes' Walkathon
Date  Friday, 22 November 2013
New venue  Area A, Gate 1, Zabeel Park, Dubai
Time  7:00am - Free t-shirt and cap collection
8:00am - Walk begins
Pre-registration opens  Thursday, 14 November, 2013
Register at  Oasis Centre, Dubai, as well as all Centrepoint, Home Centre, Max, Fitness First and iCare Clinics outlets in the UAE
You may also register online at www.beatdiabetes.me