Runners take off from the start line during the 11th edition of the annual Al Dana Green Run. Below: Doha Bank CEO Dr R Seetharaman poses with the winners.


More than 5,000 people, including fitness enthusiasts, environmentalists and families have participated in the 11th edition of the annual Al Dana Green Run held at the Aspire Zone on Saturday.
The much-awaited community run saw participants joining in the 10 individual categories that were spread across different age groups and skill levels: from professional runners and participants with special needs, to individuals below 18 years of age and heavyweights, among other race categories. 
The “Male 18 to 35” category attracted the highest number of participants with over 1,500 runners, while 983 runners participated in the “Male Over 35” category. Also, young males and females below the age of 18 comprised 774 participants.  
A number of Doha Bank employees participated in the event to reinforce the bank’s commitment to promoting a culture of green living and wellness in the workplace. 
The event also saw the participation of around 50 special needs runners, representing various local special needs associations. 
The Al Dana Green Run 2016 saw a total distribution of QR150,000 in prize money, with first-place winners in each of the 10 categories taking home QR5,000 and second-place winners pocketing QR4,000 each. Winners of the third, fourth and fifth positions received QR3,000, QR2,000 and QR1,000 each, respectively.
“Over the years, the Al Dana Green Run has seen a steady spike in the number of participants and it is encouraging to see Doha residents come together in large numbers to share in our commitment to the environment and towards healthy living,” said Dr R Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank.
“Qatar’s focus on environmental conservation and eco-friendly development, which constitutes one of the four pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030 has helped to instill renewed environmental consciousness among its people. 
“Meanwhile, the rapid emergence of the country as a global sports destination has led to greater public awareness about fitness and the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. The Al Dana Green Run combines these two national priorities, which align with Doha Bank’s own CSR goals: to provide a platform for residents across all age groups and to contribute to a better tomorrow while having fun doing it,” he added.
The crowd also enjoyed the raffle draw prizes, exciting cash prizes and other rewards that were awarded to the lucky winners. Similarly, Doha Bank offered free Apple iWatches to the first 50 customers opening a new account with salary transfer during the event.
The event also served as the venue for Doha Bank’s announcement of the winners of its December 2015 Mega Draw for the Al Dana Savings Scheme where SMBA Sheikh was named the latest millionaire.
Other draws included QR100,000, QR50,000 and QR25,000 respectively, within a pool of 52 winners for the final monthly draw of 2015, taking the overall tally for the year to 11mn.