Explorers and adventurists alike completed the biggest trail run to ever take place in the UAE recently with The North Face Rock Run which saw over 1,200 trail runners. Now in its second year, The Rock Run has witnessed massive growth, more than doubling the number of participants from the first race in 2015. The runners completed the race in the beautiful surroundings of Ras Al Khaimah’s rugged terrain which was the perfect picturesque backdrop.
The annual The North Face Rock Run took place at Wadi Showka, Ras Al Khaimah, and included mountainous terrain, short climbs and wonderful wadis. The trail run welcomed athletes from around the Emirates and participants began at 4:35 p.m. and completed three distances, 5km, 10km and 21km. The finish line came alive with music, entertainment and F&B where the participants celebrated their achievements. The winners were Ismail Ssenyange (21K Male), Yasmine Ouchatar (21K Female), Darryl Chiles (10K Male), Maria Anisa (10K Female), Francois Maureta (5K Male), Refref Mohammed (5K Female) and Lucas Cohen (5K Male Junior) and Anna Maureta (5K Female Junior) who won cash prizes of up to 2,500 AED.
Miquel Pancorbo, President of Sports at Gulf Marketing Group said: “We are extremely pleased with the success of the second edition of The North Face Rock Run, and are already looking forward to returning next year even bigger and better.” He added; “We’re honored to be able to grow the trail running community and bring
such a unique event to the UAE, and are delighted to see this community grow throughout the Emirates.”
Prior to the event and to support athletes training for the event, The North Face hosted a series of training sessions lead by the Founder of the Trail Running Group, Coach Lee Harris. The brand also launched the “Mountain Athletic App” in the region which provided specific training, exercise demonstrations and tips for the trail runners.
Ismail who took first place in the 21km distance of The Rock Run added: “I had such a wonderful day and experience at the race. The Rock Run is a truly exceptional event with a challenging yet thoroughly enjoyable trail, and I am proud to have won first place. I can’t wait to run it again at next year.”
Words + Photos supplied by: North Face Middle East
