Inaugural UAE “Healthy Kidney” Race Draws Hundreds of Miami Runners to Promote Kidney Disease Awareness and Support the National Kidney Foundation of Florida

NBA Legend and Kidney Transplant Recipient Alonzo Mourning and Local Elected Leaders Join NKF Florida for First-of-Its-Kind Community Event Organized by UAE Embassy

MIAMI, FL, January 19, 2025 – Hundreds of runners joined basketball Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning, nine local elected leaders and officials from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Washington, DC at the inaugural UAE Healthy Kidney 5K – Miami. All race proceeds directly benefited the National Kidney Foundation of Florida (NKFF), raising over $46,000 to support Florida kidney patients and their families.

“We’re overwhelmed by Miami’s warm welcome and support and thrilled that the first ever Healthy Kidney race in South Florida sold out,” said Alia Al Suwaidi, Deputy Chief of Mission of the UAE Embassy. “We are here to help promote kidney health and wellness and celebrate the longstanding partnership between the UAE and US to build healthier communities and advance medical research.”

The UAE Embassy and NKFF joined together to promote better kidney health through education on early detection and to raise funds for life-saving programs and research. Key UAE race partners participated in honor of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s first President and a kidney transplant recipient.

“The National Kidney Foundation of Florida provides vital resources to improve the health and well-being of kidney patients and their families. We’re grateful to have found a partner in the UAE to promote our lifesaving work,” says Savanna Lanza, CEO of NKFF.

Local elected officials, including the Mayors of Coral Gables, West Miami and Palmetto Bayi, expressed their support of the philanthropic event by presenting official proclamations to the race organizing partner Zayed Charity Run. Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee Mohamed Helal Alkaabi received the proclamations on behalf of the organization. Community leaders, including Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, expressed their support for the initiative across social media.

A family-friendly community festival followed the race, featuring prizes for top race finishers, giveaways, and authentic Emirati cultural experiences, including henna.