Experience a race against the sunrise in the adventurous and challenging Urban-Ultra Wadi Racer.
Taking place at the picturesque Wadi Showka on Saturday, May 6, the trail run begins in complete darkness and ends with participants crossing the finish line as the sun comes up in what is expected to be a breathtaking setting.
The event is perfect for outdoor lovers and hiking enthusiasts, but it’s also a great opportunity for anyone wanting to get a taste of the UAE’s stunning nature.
Three distances are on offer with a 30-kilometre, 20km and 10km run, for everyone aged 16 and older. From start to finish, the course is on a gravel track and rocky wadi bed with short sharp climbs and undulations mixed in.
Reflective material has been placed all along the course to help runners navigate it in the darkness. To do this, however, runners must have a head torch, which is mandatory and required to start the race. They will not be supplied, so make sure to bring your own.
Along with a head torch, other mandatory gear needed for the event include a 1.5 litre hydration pack or bottle, a cell phone, a collapsible cup, a whistle, an empty ziplock bag (to keep the environment clean), a printout of the course map and, of course, a first-aid kit.
How to get involved
- What: Urban-Ultra Wadi Racer 2017
- Where: Wadi Showka, RAK
- When: Saturday, May 6 from 05:00, registration closes midnight on Saturday, April 30
- Contact: www.premieronline.com to sign up and www.urbanultra.com
Gear that is optional, but recommended, includes a waterproof bag for your phone, small scissors, nutrition and a timing device.
As there are no hotels nearby the race, participants can choose to either drive to the event and back after it ends, or camp in a tent in one of the unofficial areas.
Race packs, which will hold a shirt, race bib and other items, can be collected from Adventure HQ, Times Square from May 2-5 during hours of operation of 10:00 to 22:00.
Sign up for the Wadi Racer through www.premieronline. com ahead of tonight’s deadline at midnight.
Check-in on the day is bright and early at 04:30 before a briefing at 04:45 and the start of the race at 05:00. The cut-off time for the event is five hours.
Put your endurance and adventurous side to the test to see if you have what it takes to beat the sun rise and conquer the Urban-Ultra Wadi Racer.