Riyadh Gov. Prince Turki bin Abdullah launched here Wednesday a 5-km fun run to raise funds for charity and create awareness on the importance of exercise and proper nutrition.

The event is called Run 4 Riyadh 2015 and is open to citizens and expatriates. Addressing a press conference at Emarah Palace, the prince said such new events would fulfill the vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and the crown prince to have a healthy society.

“Allah has bestowed on Riyadh a great variety of places that can be used for our welfare. Run 4 Riyadh is a step toward a healthier society, free of diseases and ailments of lifestyle.”

It will kick off on Saturday, Feb. 28 from King Abdullah Park and end at Prince Faisal bin Fahad Stadium. There would be zones where spectators and families can support participants, who can walk, jog or run.

At the press conference, Adnan Al-Abdulkareem, director of Riyadh’s health department, lauded Prince Turki for the initiative. “Walking, exercising and healthy eating will reduce the spread of diseases while improve energy and reduce mental exhaustion,” he said.

“Changing lifestyles have led to an epidemic of several diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, blood hypertension and high cholesterol levels. Diabetes, for example now exceeds 13 percent of the population. Obesity has increased to 27 percent among males and 33 percent among females,” he said.

Saud Al-Shathri, spokesman of the event, said the organizers of Run 4 Riyadh would provide participants and the wider community with information on exercise and diet. This would be available on its website, he said.

Participants can register at a cost of SR50 at www.run4riyadh.sa from Jan. 14. An online app is available to download from the Apple Store and Android.