Women in Dubai are being invited to join the first Daman Challenge Ladies Dash to Dubai relay.

The 5km race, where teams of five women run 1km each, takes place on March 5, three days before International Women’s Day, and its organisers believe it will empower and encourage women in the UAE to be more active.

Alongside the women’s race the Daman Challenge Dubai Mini Dash on 2 March provides an opportunity for 5-13 year olds to compete in a 500m race and other fitness activities.

Both races are sponsored by the Dubai Sports Council and Daman Health Insurance, which has also supported events in Abu Dhabi.

Maissa Al Khafajy, Corporate Communication Manager at Daman, said: “The Daman Challenge Ladies Dash is a fantastic celebration of health and activity. Our Abu Dhabi evening was a huge success and we look forward to seeing more women taking part in this celebration of health and life.”

Women can enter the race either as a team of five or as individuals, where they will be placed into a relay group.

Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, as well as the best supported and best dressed teams and the fastest individual lap time.

The entry price for individual women is AED 157,50, while a team of five would pay AED 787,50 to take part.

Part of the proceeds from the race, and the junior event on 2 March, will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation’s Farah programme, which provides treatment and research to support children’s health in the United Arab Emirates.

The Farah programme is the official charity partner of the Dubai Dash, which also organises a 15km relay for corporate teams, with the most recent race in December 2018.

The women’s race aims to be both competitive and collaborative and to build a foundation for women in Dubai to lead more active lifestyles.

Al Khafajy added: “You do not have to be physically fit to participate, but this fun run is an excellent first step for every woman to begin her journey towards leading a healthy, active life.”

Registration and other fitness sessions will begin at 4pm on 5 March, with the race itself starting at 6:20pm in Zabeel Park.