I hardly return for the same course. But the Hajar 100 by Urban Ultra in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates is different. Could it be the surrounding rugged landscape softened with wild flowers, and patches of green grass? Could it be the camaraderie among participants and amazing people behind it? Could it be because it’s the only single-stage trail run in the country? Whatever it is, I could not deny the wonderful feeling of being back on this unique land I call home.
Getting There
After a delicious homemade gourmet lunch prepared by Margot (vegetable risotto with goat cheese and pine nuts), I took a lift from a good friend, Stephen Turner who was also participating in the 50km race. The journey was about an hour from Dubai to Marjan Island. Occasional wild camels were sighted along the journey.
Early Crack of Dawn – 4th of March
I had an easy dinner (instant mashed potato bought from Carrefour) and went to bed very early. After a good night sleep of six hours and breakfast (a banana and Pure Nutrition Beetroot Endurance drink), I gathered for race check-in at 3:00 a.m. in DoubleTree Hilton, Marjan Island. Exchanging hugs and friendly chats with runners from Dubai Trail Running (DTR) filled in the time quickly. I got the “hey I know you from somewhere” moment several times – related to the Urban Ultra race video I was interviewed when I finished the race last year. I chatted with few runners as they asked what to expect on the course.
After feeling confident with shoe choice, I passed on my drop bags: one to be retrieved later in Checkpoint Five and one for the finish line. Race briefing was presented before runners being transported by bus to the starting line which was about an hour’s journey.
Start – Wadi Bih, UAE Side near Jebel Jais
This year, Urban Ultra received a few International runners including notable runner from Jordan, Salameh Alaqra – a 2012 Marathon des Sables winner. As we lined up to start, I joked with Chad Lasater, asking if he will “try” to chase Alaqra.
And just behind the front line-up was Clare Mullenger, my favourite female ultra runner as she stood representing the women. “Enjoyed the course like you always do”, I said.
“I will stop at 50km if my injured foot could not carry any longer.”
“NO, you do NOT have any injury”, said Lee Harris. So, that’s it I don’t anymore; bizarre what a positive affirmation could do to the brain instantly. Benoit Rodriguez said he had a better “excuse” than me as he recently completed a tough desert race in Abu Dhabi (and won the 100km Liwa Challenge).
I looked back to find other runners. I saw Brendan Moloney as he was making huge claps that provoked others to follow. At 6:00 a.m. sharp we embarked on the journey while it was still dark, not like last year as I recalled; this time, 100km runners accompanied the 50km runners.
Checkpoint 1
A rather flat first 7.5km — as the sun was about to rise, the cobbled sky was in red and orange. No stop at Checkpoint (CP) 1. I carried on climbing the 1,000m Janas Mountain.
Checkpoint 2
I enjoyed the winding climb till the top; I was glad to bump into Moustapha Mroueh (who finished 100km last year) as we did our first descent over rocky terrain. We then ran along the edge of a stunning plateau.
When I reached CP2, there was Servatius Palmans from Hopasports by the time mat. I then rushed off to the wide open road without stopping at CP2.
Checkpoint 3
Going downhill put unpleasant impact to my left foot injury. This was where the DTR gangs caught me: Gerard Foulkes, James Constable, Simon Williams, Tamaz Lorinz, and then Moustapha Mroueh (again). It was great to see them just when I needed some friendly familiar faces.
At this point, the heat was very strong on me as we came down from Janas Mountain. I finished off two bottles of 500ml electrolyte and filled them in at Checkpoint 3. Grabbed a few oranges and dashed off to climb the second hill, Jebel Yibir.
Checkpoint 4
I enjoyed the steep climbing but the heat took a toll on me. “You have no excuse since you’ve done last year”, a voice came from a bunch of guys I never met before this race as they passed me. Not liking what they said, I replied “Why don’t you go first, then you can tell me all about it at the finishing line.”
I slowed my pace down when reaching the village at the top to save energy for the boulders section. The boulders were the prettiest part — very pleasant as the route was shaded by shrubs and paved with different shapes of rocks. There were thorny shrubs that put a tiny hole in my compression pants. Some parts require squeezing the body in between the gap of rocks. At one part I got to stop for a bit to talk myself out of climbing up a huge rock by using upper body strength and correct feet placing. Akira Shibayama, a Japanese runner who I finished together last year tried to help. “Calm down, you are not far, just need a little push and a few steps away”, said Simon Williams. His magic words really work on me.
Over the boulders meant the 1,200m climb of Jebel Yibir came to an end, I then reached CP4 after a few more short hills on open track road. There was no sight of oranges cut. I’ve finished all my water supplies since the last CP (unusual for a camel runner like me), but only refilled the two bottles as I planned to refill the bladder on the next CP.
Checkpoint 5 and 50km Finish
I left CP4 with Helmuth Raukuttis, who gave me a lift in the morning. The downhill run was enjoyable because it was on tarmac, though it tired my knees. A couple of cars came up and down the hill exerting rubber fumes from braking too often. I bumped into one runner who was a bit injured but he seems strong in spirit to finish at CP5.
I did not expect CP5 to be at a different location than last year, so I ran down the hill for a further 2km following Simon Williams. Hearing the bell and cheering put a special feeling. Seeing charming Kevin Bradford, lovely Zuzana Laukova and smiling Shaikh Mansoor – I was simply happy to sit and chat on a comfortable stool under canvas.
Within 15 minutes, other DTR members finished their 50km race – amazing effort by Tamaz Lorinz and Moustapha Mroueh. After a serving of very delicious homemade minestrone soup by the organisers, two cans of cold Sprite and Red Bull, a change of sock and shoes, top up electrolyte in 500ml bottles, fill in bladder, iPod shuffle on, and head torch on – off I went as Simon Williams reminded me to stop chatting. Just when I left CP5, I heard a name Jeremy being called on so I thought that must have been Jeremy Grigg from DTR reaching the finish line. Bravo!
Checkpoint 6
Heading out for second part of race, I felt good and my leg felt strong. When Simon needed a bit of rest to get the food down properly, I said to him to catch up ahead. “That’s what I did whole day didn’t I”, said Simon. With this promise, I ran the entire of 14km enjoying the last hour of sunlight to only reach a very dim CP and for once second, I thought this was a self-service Checkpoint. Poor young volunteers who must be really tired from the early morning had a nap in the car. I woke him up so he can jot down my bib number and suggested to him to have a coffee.
Checkpoint 7
The next run of 11.5km was pleasant because most of the trail route was parallel along the big road, so it was lit up by road lights. I felt a slight discomfort on my right heel, and I tried to fix the socks a few times. I stopped after realising a blister the size of two Tic Tacs appeared on my heel. Oh, no biggie – two bandages to cover it will do the trick. It’s just that I’m not a blister prone runner – so this was a first in any race.
CP7 is the next best CP (after CP 5 that is). I was looked after by two young volunteers (Ahmad and Yusuf). I felt a bit hungry, but my tummy rejected the banana cut, so they offered a vegetable shawarma, which I took two bites of – not much at all. This energized me so I dashed out for the remaining half marathon.
Checkpoint 8
A good 14km run towards CP8 and I made the effort to enjoy the night run adorned with bright stars. The music in my iPod shuffled from Britney Spears to Rocky movie soundtrack as I ran in a rhythm following the beat.
I didn’t stop at CP8 except making sure I got the right direction. “Left on the road, then turn right after the tyre, no goat farm track”, said a friendly volunteer when I told that I got lost last year on the way to the finish line. While packing at CP8, I left it secretly and wished other runners at the back to come along too.
Finish: 100km in Adhan
As I ran along the main road, I bumped into a group of Emiratis who was having a Friday night walk. They pointed the direction to go straight ahead which I very much appreciated.
Just when I thought I was going to finish the race, the nausea kicked in and the chance of throwing up was high. Then, out of nowhere Jojo Olivar appeared whom I last saw on top of Jebel Yibir. He said he rested at CP5 as he got a bit sick as he wanted to do it under 19 hours. I tried to move a bit faster but just couldn’t be fast enough in the condition I was in. The final route came with some rocks, some undulating terrain, and sand towards the end – not so straightforward.
We arrived at the finish line with a good final sprint. I wanted to sit down right there and then, but was told to get a check in the ambulance. After 30 minutes, I lied down and after some little puking, felt better. My heart rate at 80bps – was normal though I felt it was too high. The friendly ambulance staff told me that apart from myself, they looked after Sami Alsaidi, the 1st winner with his cramping issue.
A few other runners arrived later including DTR’s Simon Williams. I bid farewell to the organisers and we were then transported by bus back to Marjan Island.
Performance
All in all, I was very grateful to have finished the race without making the left foot injury any worse: 5th Female and 18th overall. I certainly enjoyed the 2016 race more than 2015 even though not getting a PB (eight minutes short from 2015 race). Plus, my legs could still run further – despite the nausea.
Do this again? Absolutely — no explanation or justification required here. I felt happy on the trail and had great fun. Except the puking incidents though!
Till the next race,
#RunUltra, Live to thrive.
Words + Photos By: Aida Othman
