Several weeks ago we attended a Family Fun Day 5K Run & Walk on one of Dow’s 6 compounds. Organized by an energetic couple and supported by Dow who provided t-shirts, pizzas and plenty of water. It was originally designed for 30+ participants, it eventually grew to more than 200 people taking part. Dow families were bused in from other compounds over an hour away. There is a need for more Dow family outings and programs.
The weather had been beautiful for the past several weeks leading up to the fun day.(I can now say this since most of the bad weather has ended in the U.S.) The sky’s where blue, like every day and the temperatures were in the upper 70’s. Another beautiful day here in the kingdom.
There was a 5K run with two categories, those young or older then 25, a family 5K walk and a 1K kids race. All went very well, the day was well organized, there was plenty of energy snacks and water and a big lunch after the events that included 80+ pizzas, chicken wings, French fries and soda.
The compound houses some 90+ families. For accommodations’ there are studio apartments, 2 and 3 bedroom attached villas or single store homes. There are some pictures below of what a typical compound in KSA looks like.
A limousine service provides all of the transportation for all Dow employees. For safety reasons we are not allowed to drive. Below is a photo of the Ford Expeditions used to taxi us around and a picture of some of the drivers, almost all are from India.
M.E. at the registration desk talking with the organizer
the start of the 5K run
and there off
this Englishman in this 60’s finished second, a boy 12 years old finished first
at the finish line
this Colombian women, she lives in our compound, completing her first 5K run
the start of the family 5K walk
and there off
yes
view of the compound
a round-a-bout
looking down a street, single family homes
a wall separating areas of the compound
M.E. enjoying the day
3 laps around the compound
attached villas
a landscaped wall along the route
M.E. at the finish line
start of the kids race
the organizing couple, from the U.S. and Colombia, with the Dutch HR man
zoom in of the shirt
pizza for all
kids having fun
a group of the drivers
our rides
Bob- Did you run or were you the official photographer? It is one way to get out of running…….Like the- shirts-
Looks like fun . The running attire on the women looks a little different !