Trail runners can rejoice with the return of the Adventure HQ Night Rebel by Urban Ultra, set to challenge participants in the UAE’s natural surroundings.

Held on Friday, September 21 across Wadi Showka/Helo, the single stage trail run features three distances: 10km, 20km and 30km.

The concept is simple. Runners will have four-and-a-half hours to complete the 30km distance, which fully takes place at night.

While the course will be very dark, it will be marked with reflective marker tape, which will only be visible with a head torch – one of the items on the list of required gear needed to participate in the event.

As far as the terrain, prepare for gravel jeep track and rocky wadi bed with short sharp climbs and undulations. Runners can complete the course in either trail shoes or road shoes.

A hydration pack is required, but there will be water checkpoints located at the 5km turn for the 10km runners, at the 10km turn for the 20km runners and at the 15km turn for the 30km runners.

Because there are no hotels near the race, participants have the option to either drive up and back after the finish, or pitch a tent in one of the areas close by.

Along with a headlamp/torch and hydration pack, other mandatory gear includes a full-charged cell phone, a water pouch (supplied in the race pack), a whistle for emergency, a ziplock bag for trash, the course map and a first aid kit.

Items which are not required but are recommended include a waterproof bag for your phone, small scissors, energy gels/nutrition, a watch, blister care and a light jacket.

Runners can collect their race pack – which contains a race bib, water pouch and other goodies – from Adventure HQ at Times Square from September 18-21.

The registration fee is Dh288.75 for each of the three distances on offer and includes a t-shirt, bandana goody bag, medal and refreshments. Make sure to sign up before the deadline of midnight on September 13.

Join the local trail running community and experience a unique kind of race with the Night Rebel.

What: Adventure HQ Night Rebel by Urban Ultra
Where: Start and finish at Wadi Showka/Helo
When: Friday, September 21, with check-in closing at 18:30, briefing at 18:45 and the start gun at 19:00
Contact: Visit www.urbanultra.com for more information and www.premieronline.com to sign up