The event was to take place on March 1 but had to be canceled because of a severe sandstorm.

“It looked as if we would have had to cancel it this time as well,” admitted philanthropist and prominent businessman Abdul Aziz Alturki, the main force behind the annual event. “We have had all types of weather this evening. It was dusty, windy, hot, humid and cold,” he told Arab News.

The organizers kept their fingers crossed and waited for the authorities to give the green signal. “The run started at 3:45 and ended in an hour,” Alturki said.

He was happy that it went well in the end. “Thank God it was successful … because despite all the odds, we have had a phenomenal response from people of different age groups including those with special needs,” said Alturki. “But, yes, the number of those who actually participated was far less than the number that had registered for the event.”

According to Alturki, 15,000 Saudis and expatriates had registered for this year’s charity run. The event has in the past attracted a phenomenal number of Saudis and expatriates. This is the 17th time that it is being held.

The popularity of the race can be gauged from the fact that leading companies and civic institutions such as the Eastern Province Municipality, Saudi Aramco, Ministry of Education, Rawabi Holding, Rashed Al-Rashed and Sons Group, Banque Saudi Fransi, ATCO Group, Pan Gulf Holding, Nesma Trading, SGB Dabal, Baas International Group, Namma Carg, and Al-Khodari took an active part in sponsoring and promoting the event.