Budapest–Abu Dhabi: The Zayed Charity Run successfully concluded its landmark inaugural edition in Budapest, bringing together more than 1000 participants in a vibrant celebration of solidarity and shared purpose, marking a significant new milestone in its global journey and further reinforcing its position as a leading international platform for humanitarian giving, unity, and community engagement.

As the first European host city in the initiative’s global expansion, Budapest welcomed participants, families, partners, and supporters in a vibrant celebration of solidarity, compassion, and shared purpose. More than a sporting event, the Budapest edition reflected the UAE’s enduring humanitarian vision, where sport serves as a powerful vehicle for connection, generosity, and meaningful social impact across borders.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Budapest, the event featured an inspiring programme of runs that brought together participants of all ages and backgrounds in support of a shared humanitarian cause. Demonstrating the spirit of collective participation that defines the Zayed Charity Run, Al Habtoor Group showed its support for the initiative through active employee participation, with 12 team members taking part in the run in a meaningful display of corporate solidarity and community engagement. Alongside the run, a special online charity auction featuring a unique artwork by renowned Emirati artist Abdulla Lutfi added a cultural and philanthropic dimension to the initiative, with proceeds, together with run revenues, supporting charitable initiatives in Hungary.

Across the 3K, 5K, and 10K run categories, top performers were recognised for their outstanding achievements and competitive spirit. In the 10K category, Kennedy Kimutai Kaptila claimed first place in the men’s division, followed by Hillary Kiptum Maiyo Kimaiyo and Vásárhelyi Máté, while Valentine Jebet secured first place in the women’s division, followed by Vindics-Tóth Lili Anna and Gerlai-Perjés Noémi. In the 5K category, Palkovits István led the men’s division, followed by Kalász Bertold and Said Abdullah Ali Alalawi, while Jecinta Mwende Kamau claimed first place in the women’s division, followed by Vastag Nóra and Bozsó Tünde. In the 3K open category, Acsádi Bence secured first place, followed closely by Szemerei Levente and Kiss-Soós Hunor. A total prize pool of AED 70,000 was awarded, reflecting the event’s commitment to celebrating sporting excellence while advancing its broader humanitarian mission. Winners were honoured during an official awards ceremony recognising determination, achievement, and exemplary sportsmanship.

Commenting on the success of the Budapest edition, Lt. General (Ret.) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, said: “The Budapest edition marks an important milestone in the global journey of the Zayed Charity Run and reflects the UAE’s steadfast belief in the power of humanitarian initiatives to bring people together across cultures and borders. What we witnessed today was far more than a sporting event, it was a meaningful demonstration of solidarity, compassion, and collective responsibility in action.

He added: “The continued international expansion of the Zayed Charity Run reflects the enduring legacy of humanitarian giving inspired by the values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Through each edition, we continue to create meaningful opportunities for communities to unite around a shared purpose and contribute to causes that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”

Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director & CEO, EDGE Group, said: “Our support for the Zayed Charity Run in Budapest reflects the importance we place on bringing not only our capability to the world, but also our values of generosity, compassion, and solidarity. This is what the UAE stands for, and EDGE is proud to play its part in carrying that forward.”

The event was proudly supported by a distinguished network of partners, including the UAE Embassy in Budapest, Erth Abu Dhabi, EDGE, Emirates, Al Habtoor, Red Crescent, The Supreme Council for Motherhood & Childhood, Yettel, MBH Bank, Master Good, 4iG, Hodler Asset Management, Miell Group, Waberer’s, VOSZ, 383 The Kopjary Water, MVM, Mogyi, BioTechUSA, and Etele Plaza, whose collective partnership played a vital role in strengthening the event’s reach, impact, and humanitarian mission.

Since its global expansion, the Zayed Charity Run has continued to reach communities across major international cities, reaffirming its role as a global movement rooted in generosity, unity, and the enduring power of giving.