The road to She Runs 2025 officially began on Friday, September 12, with an inspiring launch event hosted at Zinn Sports City Dubai. The evening brought together communitychampions, women’s groups, and event partners in a powerful celebration of sport, wellness, and empowerment.
At the heart of the evening was the symbolic Passing of the Baton Ceremony, where six She Runs Community Champions were introduced:
- Sanjana Karia – blends movement, motherhood, and motivation into one bold voice. She’s here to champion every woman’s power to rise and run her own race.
- Dr. Shefali Verma – is a functional medicine doctor and wellness advocate. She guides women to heal from within using knowledge, empathy, and bold clarity.
- Lisa Campbell – is the founder of Ultimate Athletics, the UAE’s leading Track & Field academy. A former UK county champion, she launched the academy in 2015 after a successful teaching career. Lisa champions inclusive, high-performance coaching for all ages across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Her mission: to inspire confidence, community, and a lifelong love for athletics.
- Ava Hall – 14, is a student-athlete from Arbor School and rising leader in Dubai’s youth sports scene. As Sports Captain, she leads external events and coordinates competitions. She also serves as a Unified Games Ambassador, promoting inclusion and equal access in sports for all abilities.
- Laila Labib – Athlete Leader Laila Labib has represent the UAE at the Special Olympics MENA gymnastics training in Cairo (28–31 May). A gymnastics and dance champion, TEDx speaker, and role model, she’s training to become an Assistant Coach supporting fellow athletes.
- Atiqa Asif Mir – 10 years old and already making history as the fastest girl in the world, on course to becoming the first girl in modern times to compete in Formula 1.Breaking barriers and taboos in motorsport, she is leading the charge for girls worldwide. Recently, she was named one of only three girls globally and the only Indian and Asian ever to be chosen for the prestigious Mini Class, a powerful recognition of her immense talent and potential to reach Formula 1.
Each champion, dressed in ASICS’ “What’s Your Cause?” kit,shared their story and their “why” highlighting the belief that “if you havea body, you are an athlete.”
The event was expertly guided by Nadia Swan, EMCEE forthe evening. A seasoned presenter, broadcaster, and journalist with four decades of experience in the Middle East and the UK, Nadia has reported forleading media outlets including CGTN (China Global Television Network), the Arabian Radio Network, the Bauer Group, and BahrainTelevision, covering major news, sports, health, and cultural events.
Adding further depth to the evening, Suzanne Woodward, representing Fitness Partner Fit Republik, spoke of her experience as a coach and wellness expert. She highlighted the power of community in helping women understand their health priorities and the importance of making space for wellbeing in daily life.
The event also united over 15 women’s community groups, including Women in Law,Bia Warrior, If Endurance Ladies Run Club, Dubai Creek Striders, She Dares Run Club, Heroes of Hope, Special Olympics UAE, British Mums, Abu Dhabi RunningTeam, Pakistani’s in Dubai, and more. Together, they amplified She Runs’ 2025 rallying call:
For Voices. For Connection. For Change.
The launch further recognized the contribution of partners and supporters, including Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Fitness Challenge,ASICS, Expo City, DFWAC, Cheval Maison, Tesla, Medcare, L’Oréal, MonViso,Pocari Sweat, Al Ain Farms, DAS, Super Sports, FitRepublik, Zinn Café, DubaiSports City, and Lovin Dubai – all standing together to champion women’s health and community spirit.
More than a launch, the evening was a reminder that She Runsis not just a race it’s a movement for every woman, every body, and everystory.
Upcoming Race Date:
Dubai – November 9, 2025 | Expo City
Registration is now open via www.sheruns.me and Premier Online.
