Dubai Night of Marathons sends message of support to Blind Dave

Katy Newitt, Chairwoman of Foresight, who is visually impaired, started the run accompanied by local adventurer Adrian Hayes.

People joined them at the beginning and arrived throughout the night meaning there was a constant stream of runners for 12 hours.

Katy Newitt ran a half marathon with her sighted guide Jo.

Dubai Road Runners Club played a big role and several of their members saw the dawn rise as they ran marathon distances until 6am.

Around Dhs10,000 was donated by individuals to support the Seven Magnificent Marathons challenge by Dave Heeley.

Generous corporate sponsors helped to increase the amount to around Dhs55,000 to help people who are visually impaired.

"Blind Dave", will attempt to become the 3rd person in the world to run 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents.

As he starts his first marathon on April 7th in the Falkland Islands (Antarctica) he will have the knowledge that he has an amazing amount of goodwill and support waiting for him in Dubai for his 5th marathon to spur him on.

Teams of people, young and old came out to contribute at least one lap around Safa Park. This included groups from Gold Sponsors Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Silver Sponsors Golin Harris.

Other teams came from Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, Magrudys and Abela.

The combined efforts of everyone equalled the quarter of a million steps that Dave will take during his 7 marathons and each lap that every individual completed was counted.

At each place that he visits, Dave has a local charity partner as the aim of his challenge is to benefit people who are blind and visually impaired.

Foresight has supported Dave's Dubai stage and people from all sections of the community have joined together to make this a real success not just on the day itself but in the build up to Dave's arrival.

Dave will arrive from Sydney on Friday 11th April and start his 5th marathon at 8am at Safa Park.

Foresight and their supporters will be there to cheer him on and they invite people to join them to give Dave and Mac, his sighted guide, encouragement.