More than 17,000 residents joined the seventh edition of Landmark Group’s Beat Diabetes Walk in a bid to raise awareness about the condition and promote the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.

This year, the Beat Diabetes initiative raised close to Dh350,000 through the participation fee for the walk. Additionally, the initiative is also raising funds across 550 Landmark Group stores in the UAE through the month of November. The funds raised will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation towards stepping up awareness and education, and supporting on-going research developments for a lasting cure to the condition.

Starting at 8am, Zabeel Park transformed into a sea of blue as participants in their trademark blue T-shirts and caps assembled for the walkathon. Also making an appearance at the walk were radio presenters Kris Fade, Priti Malik, and Big Rossi to support diabetes awareness. Blue balloons, symbolic of the global colour for diabetes awareness, were released accompanied by confetti showers to signal the start of the walkathon. Details