Dubai, UAE - 12 January, 2026: Zeekr, the renowned global brand, proudly backed the inaugural Hood to Coast UAE as the Proud Automotive Sponsor. This milestone event marked the very first Middle Eastern edition of the celebrated endurance relay race, firmly establishing Zeekr as a leading name in premium electric mobility.
Widely acknowledged as one of the most demanding and famous long-distance relay competitions worldwide, the introduction of Hood to Coast to the UAE signified a historic occasion for the local endurance and running community. Zeekr’s enthusiastic involvement highlighted the brand’s deep-rooted dedication to human progress, continuous innovation, and high performance - core principles that perfectly match the competitive essence of the race and the drive behind a new era of electric performance.
Over the course of the event, Zeekr established a prominent on-ground footprint within the event village. Here, both athletes and spectators had the opportunity to explore a specialized brand exhibition showcasing the cutting-edge Zeekr 001 and the dynamic Zeekr 7X. This dedicated space also featured an interactive community activation, further solidifying Zeekr’s alignment with vibrant, active lifestyles and fostering community-centric engagements that extend far beyond the conventional automotive sphere, all while promoting the benefits of elevated electric driving.
Additionally, Zeekr took charge of Exchange Zone 7, meticulously designing a dedicated recovery and refreshment haven for the relay runners. This crucial rest area supported athlete wellbeing and recuperation during one of the most grueling sections of the race. This thoughtful activation clearly illustrated the brand’s pledge to facilitate top-tier performance - not merely through its vehicles, but by curating purposeful, supportive experiences that embody the ethos of a new era of electric driving.
Furthermore, Zeekr provided direct, tangible support to the race participants by sponsoring five distinct relay teams. The brand supplied a dedicated fleet of Zeekr 7X vehicles to ensure seamless transportation for these athletes across the expansive course. The teams that benefited from this support included:
● Team 1: Rox Queen Running Club
● Team 2: Wild Beats DXB
● Team 3: Active Fitness Community (AFC)
● Team 4: UCRC
● Team 5: Black Soil Tent
This specialized fleet guaranteed smooth and efficient mobility for the teams and their members throughout the demanding race, perfectly demonstrating the Zeekr 7X’s exceptional versatility, superior comfort, and robust performance in genuine, real-world endurance scenarios, a true testament to the future of electric driving.
“Hood to Coast UAE was more than a race. It was a celebration of teamwork, resilience, and pushing beyond perceived limits,”
said Mr. Tian Jinjun, General Manager of Zeekr Middle East and Africa & VP of Zeekr Group International at Zeekr.“Supporting the event’s first edition in the region reflected Zeekr’s philosophy of empowering modern, active communities while redefining premium electric mobility.”
This strategic partnership significantly bolstered Zeekr’s wider objective to seamlessly integrate with contemporary culture, sports, and active lifestyles. It effectively positioned the brand at the crucial intersection of physical wellbeing, dynamic performance, and advanced transportation. As the popularity of endurance sports continues to surge across the region, Zeekr’s active participation underscored its vital role as a forward-thinking brand that champions progress both on the open road and in everyday life, driven by the power of smart mobility.
By sponsoring Hood to Coast UAE, Zeekr has successfully deepened its footprint within the United Arab Emirates, strategically aligning itself with impactful initiatives that promote excellence, advocate for sustainability, and celebrate innovation in the realm of premium electric mobility.