LONDON: The fifth edition of the “Your Health Abroad” initiative marked its first-ever marathon in London, supported by the Kuwait Public Authority for Sport. The five-kilometer race featured participation from Kuwaiti students studying in the United Kingdom. The top three female finishers were Noura Al-Duaij, Nouf Al-Duaij, and Ruqaya Al-Hajras, while the leading male participants were Hassan Abdullah, Abdulrahman Suleiman and Faisal Al-Hajraf.
Haya Al-Daham, Deputy Director General of the Sports for All Sector at the Public Authority for Sport, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the Authority’s support for students abroad—the first of its kind—reflects its commitment to promoting community sports and raising awareness about the importance of physical activity. She added that the event received a very positive response, paving the way for future editions, and affirmed the Authority’s readiness to support students both inside and outside Kuwait.
Dr Abdullah Al-Mutawa, a specialist in therapeutic and sports nutrition and the event’s media sponsor, explained to KUNA that exercise triggers a positive response in the human body from the very first round, increasing the production of three hormones responsible for well-being and happiness, while reducing cortisol levels—the stress hormone that contributes to lethargy, sugar cravings, and abdominal fat accumulation. He emphasized that exercising at least three times a week helps prevent these common health issues.
The marathon also attracted Gulf students and workers in the UK, who praised the event as unprecedented and expressed hope for its replication in their home countries. Organized by Youth Events, the marathon was accompanied by a “small village” featuring goods offered for sale by participating students. Abdullah Al-Nassar, a student at the University of Westminster, told KUNA that he was selling farwas, traditional winter garments that were historically part of bedouin life in several Arab countries. He noted that the coats were in high demand among Gulf and Arab nationals due to the extreme cold in the UK.
Previous editions of the “Your Health Abroad” initiative were held in a forest near Leeds, England, and included sporting activities alongside health awareness lectures. The Kuwait Public Authority for Sport continues to support the initiative, highlighting its commitment to community health, recreation, and social engagement, as well as encouraging Kuwaiti students in the UK to participate actively in sports. — KUNA
