Cairo's Zamalek district will witness a unique event on 6 May as Egypt's first Kidathon race kicks off with the aim of motivating youngsters to adopt a healthier lifestyle and contribute to society.
The event is launched by Egyptian banker-turned mountain climber Omar Samra's Muricata; a branch of his firm Wild Guanabana that offers experiences to younger generations- setting its footprint as an annual event for future years.
For the event to see light, Samra's Muricata collaborated with Zamalek Guardians group volunteers and the private sector's Inertia to set the required logistics and the safest route for participants to traverse.
An estimated 300 kids will participate in the run, which is free except for a prerequisite of donating a toy to Marwa Fayed's Toy Run, an NGO dedicated to providing toys to underprivileged children. The NGO will distribute the toys to children at Abu El-Rish Hospital.
Kidathon's starting point will be at the Sawy Culture Wheel and will include three types of runs: a 2km run for kids aged six to eight, accompanied by parent or a guardian; a 2km run for kids aged nine to 11; and a 4km run for kids age 12 to 14.
Prizes are to be handed out to 18 winners at the Sawy centre after the races are concluded. Families and attendees will be entertained with other activities including yoga classes, adventure games and activities as well as arts and crafts before the day ends with a concert by Egyptian music group Cairokee.
Samra made history when he succeeded in 2007 at becoming the first Egyptian and the youngest Arab – then 29 years old – to climb Mount Everest.
He broke another record by becoming the first Egyptian to complete the seven summits challenge; a climb of the highest mountains of seven continents.
In 2013, Samra became one of the winners of the Axe Apollo Space Academy competition in Florida in the US, beating 112 competitors from the rest of the world on his path to becoming the first Egyptian to see the edge of space.
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