Inspirational Qatari sets off for run around the country
AT 6 am on Saturday, Mubarak Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi set off from the Corniche (next to the Sheraton) on his attempt to record a Fastest Known Time (FKT) for Run Around Qatar .
He is attempting the run, which is approximately 500km with the aim of completing it in under 7 days, which the current record sits at. The current record was set by Qatari resident and adventurer Pierre Daniel in February 2018, who tackled the run in a self-supported manner.
Mubarak, who is an executive manager in corporate banking with Masraf Al Rayyan and a father of four, is aiming to cover over 80km a day in his record attempt, which he is doing in a supported manner, with a support crew of friends, all of are either taking time off work, or juggling commitments from day to day to work.
They will make sure he has access to food and drink as he pushes himself to the limits of human endurance. His team includes Adulaziz Alabdulla, Fahad Al Buenain, Fahad Al Hadfa, Faisal Al Zaman, Talal Al Emadi, Ali Al Mansouri, Rashid Al Hajri, Noel Cuaton and Coach Ryan Sosna-Bowd.
If successful, this will be a further first for a Qatari sports adventurer who has been blazing the trail for Qatar in the trail running world, his feats include being: The first elected Qatari Runners Representative in the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) Successfully organising the first ultra-trail race in Qatar (THEEB 2019) and certified by ITRA first Qatari to participate finish numerous key global trail races includingTrans Jeju 2017 - 50K, Mountain Range 50 2017, Ultra-Trail Serra Da Freita 2018, UTMB 2018 OCC, Tarawera 100 Mile Endurance Run 2019, UTMB 2019 CCC first Qatari to finish a 100 miles trail race completing Ironman 70.3 Sri Lanka 2018.
The ‘Run Around Qatar’ is approximately 500km which Mubarak Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi aims to complete in under 7 days, which the current record sits at.
Mubarak commented: This challenge is the culmination of a journey that was inspired by trail blazing Qatari athletes, like Abdulla Al Hammadi who inspired me into sport and athletes like Pierre Daniel and so many more who opened my eyes to the possibilities within each of us.
I hope that this challenge inspires more Qatari’s to push their limits whether it be in sport, art, culture, business or serving their community, and to live the fullest lives they can.
Pierre Daniel, the first and current record holder of the Run Around Qatar’ FTK said, It is fantastic what Mubarak is attempting and has achieved for the Qatari trail running community.
The Run Around Qatar is a significant challenge and will test him unlike anything he has done, he has the unique spirit of an adventurer, looking to push his limits and enjoy the natural beauty of Qatar in a way that can only be done during such a challenge. It will be my joy to see him at the finish line and celebrate his success.