Septuagenarian Defies Age, Joins Dubai Run Challenge

A 78-year-old Indian grandmother made headlines at Dubai's massive running challenge, proving that age is just a number when it comes to staying active. Radha Mani joined tens of thousands of participants on Sheikh Zayed Road for her first-ever Dubai Run, part of the seventh Dubai Fitness Challenge that draws visitors from around the world to what organizers call the world's largest community running event.

Radha told local media she was visiting her daughter's family in Dubai and decided this was the perfect time to try something new. "I practice yoga regularly, and when I saw that my visit coincided with Dubai Fitness Challenge, I asked my son-in-law to register me for the run," she explained. What made it even more special was running alongside her granddaughter, who loves sports.

The event brought together three generations of her family, something Radha found meaningful. "Dubai sets an advanced example in all fields, and this event proves it by becoming a widespread phenomenon as the world's largest community running track," she said. "This encouraged me to participate and prove that sports are a lifestyle even at 70."

Her son-in-law Krishna admitted he was surprised when she asked to join. "It was a big surprise that my mother-in-law wanted to participate in Dubai Run, so I made sure to fulfill her wish and experience it with her for the first time."

The event attracted families from Dubai's diverse expat community. Edmond Yungo, a Filipino participant, joined after his wife convinced him to try it. "My wife had experienced Dubai Run before we got married, and she encouraged me this year to try it for the first time with our daughter Kizian," he said. His wife Squimi had been pushing for the family to register early, calling the atmosphere "absolutely wonderful."

The Dubai Run's reputation extends far beyond the UAE. South African media professional Tulani Imbeli, 40, traveled to Dubai specifically for the event. He came not just to cover it as a journalist, but to participate himself. "The live images and extensive coverage of Dubai Run, held on one of the most vibrant streets, encouraged me to visit Dubai for the first time," he said.

Imbeli arrived the previous Thursday to prepare for both his professional coverage and personal participation. "I started preparing not only to do my job as a media professional, but also to participate and run with the crowds, and convey the complete picture of this mass event."

The Dubai Run represents more than just a fitness event. It's become a symbol of the city's ability to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds around a shared goal of health and community. For participants like Radha, it proves that it's never too late to try something new and challenge yourself, regardless of age.