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Ammon News - by Roufan Nahhas/ Jordan Times

AMMAN — A new umbrella organisation for all major running events and to promote a healthy lifestyle was launched on Saturday, under the patronage of HH Prince Firas Bin Raad.

At a press conference to announce the event, Prince Firas, chairman of the board of newly formed Run Jordan, said the NGO was formed after a decision by the Amman International Marathon to expand its activities.

The prince commended the “emergence of a new culture of running that is taking root in the Jordanian society”, adding that long-distance running, particularly for youth, can help instil the importance of goal-setting, self-discipline, preparation, resilience and sportsmanship.

Run Jordan will include under its umbrella the Amman Marathon, the Dead Sea Ultra Marathon and the Red Sea Half Marathon.

The prince told The Jordan Times that Run Jordan will work to promote healthy lifestyles in the Kingdom.

“We will work on indulging schools and youths inside Amman and in other areas in running events, to encourage competitive and leisure running in coordination with the Jordanian educational and sporting bodies.”

“Another programme will focus on supporting competitive training programmes for persons with disabilities,” he said.

Prince Firas said the private sector will have a strong impact on the sport by both participating in running events and supporting Run Jordan.

“We are really excited and happy to have the support of the private sector, which I am sure will work hard in supporting Run Jordan.”

He also said Run Jordan is partnering with the Greater Amman Municipality, the Jordan Tourism Board, the Jordan Olympic Committee, the Jordan Paralympic Committee and several other sports bodies, in addition to corporate sponsors and partners from the private sector.

Reem Badran, private sector representative and a member of the board of Run Jordan, said: “The private sector is really excited to be part of Run Jordan’s mission, and we are here to support the running activities and spread awareness of a healthy lifestyle.”

Highlighting the organisation’s planned events, Lina Kurd, deputy director of Run Jordan, said: “October 4 will witness the fifth edition of the Amman Marathon and… September 27 will witness the Race for Children event at King Hussein Park.”