Jeremy Curran and Lisa Van Gisbergen win the Solo 72km races, in event which sees Reebok re-enter the running market
Once again the stunning mountains of Oman’s Dibba provided a gruelling but beautiful backdrop for the 2018 Reebok Wadi Bih Run.
A highlight in the Middle East’s running calendar, the event saw 781 runners of all fitness levels and ages runup to 72km and climb extensively in beautiful conditions, all in pursuit of the coveted finish line.
Jeremy Curran and Lisa Van Gisbergen claimed first place in the men’s and women’s 72km solo with times of 5.30.43 and 8.44.25 respectively, in a race which also welcomed Reebok as the title sponsor this year. The global fitness brand powered runners along a newly configurated race path, with dedicated Reebok hydration zones on a route and a chill out area at the end bringing extra energy to tired legs when it was needed most.
Taking part alongside the solo runners were 132 teams of five runners, who took it in turns to take on legs across the 50km or 72km route. 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.”
For most runners, the gravel tracks of Musandam represented a journey of achievement and an opportunity to test limits to the maximum and make friends along the way.
One of those taking part in the 30km solo was Lisa Welsh who said:
“From about 20km on I just kept telling myself to keep moving forward, keep moving forward! Ignore the muscles, ignore the fact your brain is telling you to stop and power through to the end! Looking round at the other runners I am sure they were thinking the same! But this run is all about being in the moment together, encouraging your fellow runners and that is what makes it so special”.
When asked about the hardest part of the race she said:
“I nearly died going up the hill from Ziggy Bay. It’s stunning scenery and really helps to distract you from how challenging the route is. Your whole body is screaming so getting to the top of that climb was a huge relief!”
Speaking in the first year of sponsorship and for the region’s running community, Reebok’s Senior Manager Brand Activations; Emerging Markets, Nathalie Khouri, said:
“Finding your limits and pushing yourself to overcome them is a true runner’s mantra and at the core of what Reebok powers its community to do. Working with the Wadi Bih Run has allowed us to recognize those passionate people within the region’s running community and we were honoured to help them achieve their goals at the 2018 edition. We look forward to continuing into the next event, supporting everyone to be more human in the region’s ultimate test of physical endurance.”
Wadi Bih Run Race Director, Neil Young, commented on the success of the 26th edition:
“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. The partnership with Reebok and the values they represent came to life on-ground, and was reflected in the fun and memorable experience of each participant. We are excited to build on this for the next edition and look forward to welcoming everyone back again for the 27th year!”
Taking place on February 2nd and February 3rd, 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. These variants allow the sole participants to challenge themselves to their max, and for family and friends to enjoy themselves to the max! All while keeping fit and enjoying the benefits of being in such a glorious natural environment.
Powered by title sponsor Reebok, the 2018 Wadi Bih run was also supported by Sport 360, Outdoor UAE, Oman Magazine, Oman PR, Golden Tulip, Absolute Adventure, Dubai Physiotherapy Clinic, Monviso, Vitamin Well, Kcal and Freedom Pizza. ■
Provisional race results can be found online
