Landmark Group and the Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), a member of Qatar Foundation, have unveiled plans for the fourth annual Beat Diabetes Walkathon to be held on November 15 at Aspire Park.
The Qatar edition of the walkathon is a part of the Group’s community initiatives held across seven countries worldwide throughout the year to raise awareness on what has become a global epidemic.
A total of 45,000 people had participated in the 2012 edition of the event.
Statistics indicate that Qatar has a high prevalence of the disease, making diabetes one of the nation’s biggest healthcare challenges of the 21st century.
Aspire Academy’s offer to host the walkathon this year is part of its commitment to support the cause of spreading diabetes awareness among the community in Qatar. Participants will walk 1km on the track around the lake at Aspire Park, where several fun activities for all family members will be offered - including face-painting and sporting activities.
Santosh Pai, COO of Landmark Group, said: “The Beat Diabetes initiative has grown tremendously over the past four years. Our goal this year is to extend the campaign further and reach out to more families across the region. A key aspect of our approach is to target mothers, who play a central role in their family’s health and wellness.”
Dr Abdulla al-Hamaq, executive director of QDA, said: “We are pleased to participate in the Beat Diabetes Walkathon with our partners, Landmark Group, to draw attention to this issue of paramount importance. All of us must focus on public awareness and prevention programmes so that we can reduce diabetes incidence and protect our future.”  
Registration for the walkathon is free and each participant will receive a kit comprising a t-shirt, a cap, a healthy snack and water.
The Beat Diabetes Walkathon will be held from 3pm. Those interested can register online at www.beatdiabetes.me or at Centrepoint stores in Al Asmakh Mall, Barwa Village, Wakrah, and Dar Al Salam Mall, Abu Hamour.
For more information is available on www.facebook.com/beatdiabetes