The event in the United Arab Emirates is due to be one of four fun runs to be organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), in association with the United Arab Emirates National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC).

Qatar’s capital city Doha is scheduled to hold the second run on Thursday (February 8), with Male in the Maldives following two days later.

Lebanon’s capital Beirut is scheduled to host the final run of the series on February 25.

"Choosing the UAE by the Olympic Council of Asia to organise this race demonstrates the country's leading role in organising sports events, as it promotes one of the most important games, the Asian Games, which will be attended by more than 10,000 athletes from 45 Asian countries,” said Major General Ismail Al Gergawi, a UAE NOC Board member.

"This is an important introductory step for our students and children who participated in the event, to spread the games amongst youngsters; who are the future of the country.

"These generations are looking to represent the UAE with their best efforts and raise its flag high at all levels."

The promotional event saw children run over three kilometres, with organisers claiming it would help to promote healthy living.

The first 30 runners were awarded certificates by the OCA, which were split evenly between boys and girls.

Cultural activities were also held alongside the event, as the OCA and UAE NOC attempted to promote the Asian Games.

The 2018 Asian Games, which marks the 18th edition of the continental multi-sport event, is due to take place from August 18 to September 2.

There will be 40 sports and 462 events contested by 10,000 athletes from the OCA's 45 affiliated NOCs.

It will be the first time the OCA’s premier event has been co-hosted by two cities and the first time that Jakarta has organised the Asian Games since the fourth edition in 1962.