In an effort to get more people in Qatar moving, the country will hold its first Color Run next month.
During what’s dubbed the “happiest 5k on the planet,” participants sign up to walk or run 5km and are doused from head to toe in different colors after finishing each kilometer.
Since its inception in 2012, the race has already been conducted in some 200 cities in 30 countries, including New York, Tokyo and most recently, Dubai.
In Qatar, the un-timed fun run is being organized by Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q), as part of its “Sahtak Awalan: Your Health First” campaign.
The race will be on Jan. 24 near the Qatar National Convention Center. Details such as the exact timing of the event are still being ironed out, but online registration is now open. Spots apparently fill up quickly.
According to Color Run Qatar’s website, there is no age restriction for participants, but anyone over the age of four years old should register. Registration costs QR140/person.
Other rules include wearing white at the beginning of the race, and being “prepared for colored Picasso-painting madness and lots of dancing at the finish line.”
The run comes at a time when Qatar is contending with an alarmingly high prevalence of obesity and diabetes.
In a statement, a WCMC-Q spokesperson said:
“Poor lifestyle and obesity are real problems in our society that can lead to serious health issues. We all need to do more to live healthier lives. The Sahtak Awalan: Your Health First campaign helps people make positive lifestyle choices and The Color RunTM Qatar is a great example of just that – a positive lifestyle choice. It gives people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities the chance to get together in a healthy and active way, but more importantly, it’s fun! It makes exercise enjoyable and accessible, and we’ll be encouraging everyone to take part.”
Organizers are also looking for volunteers to help with the run. Those interesting in helping can apply by filling out this form.
Do you plan to participate? Thoughts?
140 for a race…no way…people go for a race and after it is done they run to fast food to eat hamburger…where is awareness.
In this day and age information is so widely available that it is sad to actually expect and depend on a government to raise awareness about the health risks of certain lifestyle choices. I can understand if it is targeted towards the youth, but if as an adult you are unaware that certain foods are bad for you then you must have grown up among some isolated African tribe where you would not have access to such foods in the first place…
Haram!
What’s haram? Lying?
Those women are colouring their hijab making themselves more alluring and parading themselves in front of men.
and you the religious scholar want to ruin that for everyone with ur insight
Don’t joke. Never know when the twitter Nazi’s of Qatar will take it seriously.
Been playing Holi, the Indian Color festival, for years with my Hindu friends.
They’ve commercialised it and called it ‘the color run’ – Brilliant…
Is that why you are Blue? 🙂
Nope, that’s because of my wife, Pink, beating me ….
Did she spank you? Were you particularly bad? Tell me, please, tell me.
For 140 qar i would expect liposuctions and tummy tucks…what’s the point of a paid ticket in a health campaign?
Its for charity
Any activity that encourages mass physical activity and raises awareness of a healthier lifestyle is positive. For many in Qatar the concept of a healthy lifestyle is not deeply ingrained into their cultural identities, which means that continuous reinforcement is needed. And if the participants go for a burger afterwards, then hey at least they have done something positive beforehand…small steps.
However, marketing themselves as a charitable venture is a bit iffy. Lots on their website about “giving back to the community” etc but if you read through all of the blurb, it turns out that a massive 3.65 riyals out of the 140 entrance fee goes to charity. Who gets the rest?
I will be attending but, like the vast majority of the participants, will already be aware of the benefits of fitness.
Will they be doing this again next year?!
What is wrong Blue said Holi is dubbed color run for commercial reason.. Go in INdia, UK , Fiji , Kenya, Mauritius etc if you want to play Holi.