Dubai Holding in partnership with Jumeirah Emirates Towers announced that Dh280,000 was raised at the Vertical Marathon this weekend, in support of Al Jalila Foundation.

All proceeds will support medical research in the UAE, specifically diabetes, through the foundation.

Over 150 participants climbed 1,334 steps over 265 metres, 52 floors, to the top of Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

The fastest female runner, Vicki Matheson, reached the top in 12 minutes 36 seconds and the winning male runner, Paul Drury, ascended in 09.52 minutes.

The Dubai Holding Vertical Marathon is the fifth highest of its kind in the world after Taipei, Hanoi, Beijing and New York.

Dubai Holding CEO Ahmad Bin Byat said: “The Emirates’ leading vertical marathon has established itself as one of Dubai’s main fund raising events with more than Dh1.3 million raised so far for lifeimproving charities.

“Dubai Holding aims to actively change behaviours and encourage healthy living through ourCorporate Wellness Programme. With the funds raised during the event’s 12th edition today, for Al Jalila Foundation’s efforts to combat diabetes through medical research, we hope to further this goal and increase the health and wellbeing of UAE’s population.”

Al Jalila Foundation CEO Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama added: “Al Jalila Foundation was established to elevate the UAE’s healthcare sector through championing medical education and research.

“We share the commitment of Dubai Holding to health and well-being.”