Thousands electrify Zaabeel Park in running event

Neon lights, new wearable technology, spectacular light show and electronic beats made for a perfect weekend at the Zabeel Park on Friday night.
Over 7,000 neon-decked revellers descended on the park on Friday evening, as the stunning tree-lined, city-centre park was transformed into a magical light, laser and dance-music wonderland, for the second annual Daman's ActiveLife Electric Run Recharged.
Three UAE Olympic heroes - swimmer and UAE flag-bearer Nada Al Bedwawi, teammate Yaqoub Al Saadi and weightlifter Ayesha Al Balooshi - who represented the UAE in Rio, also joined scores of people at the park for a 5km electric run.
"It is the collective creativity and stunning light of the thousands of participants that brings this event to life and makes it truly unique," said David Sanderson, event director from organisers Fast Track.
"I like to take some time off every once in a while and do something that is fun, still involves some sort of movement and also something I can get my friends involved in," said 19-year-old Al Bedwawi.
Joining the Olympic trio was one of the most successful middle distance runners in Olympic history - double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly.
"I went to my first Electric Run last year in Dubai and instantly fell in love with the event. You've got everything you need for a brilliant night out - neon lights everywhere you go, live music throughout the course and loads of entertainment on and off the course," said Dame Kelly who has been a regular visitor to the region.
Electric Run Recharged is the only 5km run to feature nine uniquely-themed Courselands, including two dance party zones set out along the brightly-lit course. This year's run took participants on a wonderland-like adventure as they weaved through pulsating neon-lit trees, rainbow-themed arches of light and lots of music.
The next UAE Electric Run is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi in February 2017 with more details set to be announced in the coming weeks.
- saman@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai