The UAE was introduced to the first edition of The North Face Trail at Showka Dam as 50 experienced and first-time trail runners took to a figure-eight course.

The course tested the runners, who were given the option of running 12.5km or 25km, with winding valleys, dirt tracks and ridges.

Lee Harris, founder of Dubai Trail Running Group, led the runners through Showka Dam. Harris also hosts weekly trail running sessions around the UAE.

“[It was] an amazing morning of trail running with a strong mix of regulars and first-timers taking on the course,” said Harris.

Mohammad Baker, deputy chairman of Gulf Marketing Group, said: “Trail running is the ultimate exa-mple of outdoor, adventure sports, and the terrain here in the UAE could not be more perfect for it.

“The event has been an undeniable success, and we are very pleased to have partnered with Lee and Dubai Trail Running Group to help make it possible.”

Jay Loved enjoyed the event after doing the 25km course.

“The route was very safe and there were some amazing views,” he said. “Running on this kind of desert terrain is extremely difficult as you constantly have to think as you are running. It’s this kind of challenge that drew me to today’s The North Face Trail event and I plan on returning to Showka soon to continue my training.”

The weekend’s event was part of The North Face’s ‘Longer Days are Here’ campaign, which aims to encourage people to explore more outdoors and challenge themselves.

The North Face’s spring/summer 2014 collection can be found at its stores in Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Centre and Ezdan Mall in Qatar.