Emirati Dr Khaled Al Suwaidi set to take on epic ultra-marathon from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi

Sport360 staff 19:08 02/02/2018
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  • A run not for the faint-hearted.

    For most people running just one marathon is enough, but Dr Khaled Al Suwaidi is taking his powers of endurance to new levels all in the fight against cancer.

    On Saturday, Al Suwaidi is due to set off on an incredible 327km ‘The Rahma Run’ attempt – roughly the equivalent of running nearly eight marathons back to back.

    He will kick-off his ultra run from Fujairah Terminals and end at Zayed Port – a logistics partner of the event – in Abu Dhabi.

    The gruelling challenge will help raise funds for Cancer Patient Care Society – Rahma and the 34-year-old is expected to complete it in around 60-80 hours, meaning he will finish either on Monday or Tuesday next week.

    Despite scaling the UAE’s 1,200m high Jebel Hafeet mountain up and down in one day last month, becoming the first Emirati to do so, he has never previously run a marathon but has taken on the challenge to raise awareness of how important it is to lead a healthy lifestyle.

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  • Indeed, three years ago, he weighed 125kg and was told by doctors he was likely to become a diabetic in the future.

    But the executive director at Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research managed to turn his life around.

    “I can’t wait to get started. All of my training has been leading up to this moment and I just want to get out there and start running,” he said ahead of the challenge.

    “Throughout this journey, I’ve been spurred on by the amazing people involved with Rahma and their stories will hopefully help carry me from one coast to another.”

    Dr. Khaled will be accompanied by his coach, a physiotherapist, a paramedic and chef, who will travel in an RV on the route and have the additional support of two safety cars.

    A run not for the faint-hearted.

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