With the Color Run a perfect opportunity to exercise, it also provided a platform to help those in need as $1 (Dh3.67) of each entry fee was donated to Operation Smile charity.

With over 7,000 participants registered, the charity will receive approximately $7,000 (Dh25,690) as a result of the charity drive.

Additionally, Operation Smile, which restores a child’s smile through surgeries, also received Dh11,000 thanks to the efforts of Zaara Mohyuddin, 12.

Inspired by an assembly talk about the charity at her school, Zaara decided to take part in the Color Run to help those in need.

“Teachers gave a talk about the charity at assembly and I felt I wanted to do something,” said Zaara.

The British School Al Khubairat pupil registered herself and got sponsored by teachers and pupils at the school before asking her family for donations.

Zaara said the run was difficult but was nevertheless determined to complete the race.

“At first I found it a bit tricky but then I got used to running around the track. Then I thought about the children who needed my help and I kept going for Operation Smile,” she said. Zaara’s father Samir was all praise for his daughter.

“It’s simply amazing for her (Zaara) to do this,” said Samir, who also took part in the run. “To be honest, when she started this I thought she would have raised enough money for two operations. But she managed to raise Dh11,000, enough for 13 operations.

“I really am blown away by the generosity and the response; it has been phenomenal. Zaara has been absolutely great. She got us to a good start and after she started the donations with the school, families and friends helped as well.

“The money has already gone to Operation Smile and they will do the needful with the donation. Hopefully, the charity will receive a lot of money today as it will certainly make a huge difference to somebody’s life.”