A forty-five minute drive from Dubai sees some of the most scenic areas to escape the suffocating city life and give you a nature experience that road running doesn’t offer.

You don’t need to be star athlete or a seasoned endurance runner to hit the trails, as you’ll find a trail right for your run.

It’s a different form of cardio, a different experience and allows you to build leg strength as well as developing your cardiovascular system.

Lee Harris, founder of Dubai Trail Runners, has built a committed and determined running group that train Friday and Saturday mornings in Showka.

The trail itself is demanding and takes several visits to allow your body to adapt.

One of the races that has made trail running popular in the UAE is the North Face Rock Run where a group of amateur athletes take to the trails to shake up their running experience.

If you’re interested in getting involved, check out the Dubai Trail Runners Facebook page for more information.