One of the UAE’s most challenging races saw 781 runners, of all levels, cross the finish line over the weekend.
The 72km Reebok Wadi Bih Run, one of the highlights in the Middle East’s running calendar, saw participants tackle the mountainous terrain in Dibba, Oman. Jeremy Curran and Lisa Van Gisbergen claimed first place in the men’s and women’s 72km solo races with times of 5.30.43 and 8.44.25 respectively.
Taking part alongside the solo runners were 132 teams of five runners, who took it in turns to take on legs across the 50km and 72km routes. One of those was ‘Team Coach Mike’, appropriately named after the well-known French fitness coach living in the UAE.
Speaking after the race he said: “That was an epic run, a true and very real challenge for all of us. The road is a long one, filled with brutal hills, twists and turns and the only way we got through was to work together and push other limits. It was the camaraderie between us that made this day so memorable.”
Wadi Bih Run Race Director, Neil Young, was delighted on the success of the 26th edition. He said: “The Reebok Wadi Bih Run is truly special as it’s a run of perseverance and pleasure, welcoming all runners to test themselves in one of nature’s most beautiful settings. We are excited to build on this for the next edition and look forward to welcoming everyone back again for the 27th year.”
The Reebok Wadi Bih Run saw five race categories set off from the Dibba coastline, through Wadi Khabb Shamsi to the high point of the Hajjar Mountains with its spectacular view into Wadi Bih.
The original race, first run 26 years ago by a large group of families and friends, was a 72km relay race of five team members. Throughout its long history, and due to popular demand, the event now has five categories: Team 72km & 50km, Solo 72km, 50km & 30km.
The full list of finishers can be seen HERE