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Readers of GWeekly are being urged to get their running and walking shoes ready for the popular Jawad Mini Marathon now celebrating a decade of supporting good causes in the community.
Registration is open for people of all ages to take part in a choice of two running distances or the family walkathon on Friday, February 17. The 10th annual event aims to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and support children with the condition.
The message is clear: ‘Run or Walk for the Cause’. Last year’s event attracted more than 1,400 participants. Details were outlined at a press conference last week with Jawad Business Group Food Retail Division general manager Jawad Mahmood Jawad, Northern Governorate PR & media head Malik Al Ghassra and event director Adnan Al Qassab.
“The Jawad Mini Marathon has steadily built up a fine reputation over the years for the causes it supports and the interest it has generated,” said Mr Jawad. “Last year’s event successfully helped raise funds and draw attention to those living with sickle cell anaemia. “We intend to make the 10th Annual Mini Marathon an even bigger success. The children deserve our support.”
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterised, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviours. It is believed there are around 2,000 known cases in Bahrain.
All proceeds from the race will be donated to the Bahrain Autistic Society, a charity that aims to raise community awareness and to encourage voluntary work to support autistic children. It also helps those affected find helpful programmes, courses and activities.
Registration for the Jawad Mini Marathon is now open. There will be three categories - 5km, 8km and a walkathon of 5km - with more than 33 trophies up for grabs, plus a raffle draw for participants featuring more than 20 prizes.
The runs are divided into different age categories, from nine to 50-plus, for both men and women. There will also be a category for the handicapped. An American Mission Hospital medical team will be present at The Jawad Dome, Barbar, on the day of the event to tackle any emergency and medics and nurses will also provide free health check-ups.
The event is being conducted under the patronage of the governor of Northern Governorate, Ali Al Shaikh Abdul Hussein Al Asfoor, and the Jawad Business Group marathon committee offered thanks for the support it had received.
The Traffic and the Public Security Directorates in the Ministry of Interior will also work closely to ensure proceedings run smoothly. The courses will be clearly marked marked on Budaiya Highway from Jawad Dome and there will be plenty of water stations along the routes.
To register visit www. jawadminimarathon.com - it costs only BD2 for adults and BD1 for children under 16 to take part.
