Some people cope with stress by binge-watching shows or scrolling endlessly on their phones—but for Kara Simbajon Bello, relief has always looked like motion. At 36, the Dubai-based Medical Coordinator at BMC under ADNOC HQ has turned running, swimming, and cycling into more than a routine—it has become a decade-long journey of endurance, discipline, and self-discovery.
Now marking her 10th year abroad, Kara is quietly building a name for herself in the UAE’s competitive endurance sports scene, collecting podium finishes while still sounding like someone who can’t believe she’s even there. Her mantra is simple and consistent: “Be true, Be Kind, Be you.” But behind that calm phrase is a woman who has learned how to keep going—through fatigue, pressure, and the demanding pace of both work and sport.
From childhood runner to UAE endurance athlete
Kara’s relationship with running began long before she ever stepped into a race village in Abu Dhabi or pinned a bib number onto her shirt. “I’ve been running since elementary school, representing my school at regional meets,” she shared. It was the kind of childhood discipline that many people outgrow, but Kara carried it with her into adulthood.
After college, she continued joining running events in her workplace, but the real turning point came when she moved to the UAE. Like many overseas workers, she had to adjust to a new environment, new responsibilities, and a new kind of pressure. Running became her escape.
“Once I moved to the UAE, running became my way to relieve stress from work,” she said.
What started as stress relief eventually evolved into something bigger. She joined a Dragonboat team, and it was there that her endurance mindset began to expand. The people around her didn’t just train with her—they challenged her. “I then joined the Dragonboat team, the same team challenged me and motivated me to run longer distances,” she recalled.
The idea of pushing beyond comfort slowly became her new normal.
Finding her stride with a running family
Kara’s first official marathon came through Adidas Runners Abu Dhabi, a community that didn’t just help her improve her timing—it shaped her identity as an athlete. “My first official marathon was with Adidas Runners Abu Dhabi, a community that helped shape me as a runner and a team member,” she said.
That sense of belonging mattered. Many runners chase personal records alone, but Kara’s journey has always been tied to the people around her. “Since then, I’ve completed all my marathons with the support of our Captain and the community.”
It’s a theme she repeats often—progress doesn’t have to be solitary.
“Running with them as a crew gives me a different kind of happiness. We move as one, like family,” she said. “This community humbles me, it’s not about individual glory, it’s about the team.”
A birthday gift that opened a new chapter
Just when Kara thought she had found her lane, she stepped into a completely different world: triathlon. For many athletes, the jump from running to triathlon is intimidating. It requires not only endurance, but mastery of three disciplines—swimming, cycling, and running—each with its own physical and mental demands.
For Kara, it had been a long-time dream.
“Triathlon is a different kind of endurance discipline, representing a new challenge for me as an athlete,” she explained. “I had always dreamed of competing after the COVID days, but my work schedule didn’t allow it.”
Then in 2024, she finally decided to stop waiting. She signed up for her first triathlon race—the T100 sprint distance—as a personal milestone. “In 2024, I signed up for my first race, the T100 sprint distance, as a birthday gift to myself,” she said.
That single decision changed the rhythm of her life. “Since that day, I’ve participated in several triathlon races, surprising myself with what I can achieve.”
Podium moments that still feel unreal
In 2025, Kara’s results began speaking loudly.
She placed 2nd in her age category at the Open Master Swim Duathlon 2025—an achievement that even she didn’t expect. “Honestly, I was so surprised because I know my swimming skills,” she admitted. But rather than seeing it as luck, she treated it as fuel. “But, that event helps me motivate myself to push more in my training.”
Her World Triathlon 2025 experience was even more intense, with an atmosphere that felt larger than life. “It was an intense week with back-to-back triathlons, and competing in the World Triathlon was a huge challenge given its internationl vibes,” she shared.
The experience humbled her, but also validated her growth. “Being surrounded by athletes I admire was thrilling, yet humbling. It put into perspective the amount of effort and training that goes into this race.”
Then came the moment she will likely never forget—not during the race itself, but after.
“The surprise came when we were leaving the venue and I heard my name called from the podium – my friends were shouting for me to come back and check my placement.”
She finished 3rd in her age group.
Even in her success, Kara’s voice remains grounded—equal parts amazed and determined.
Four marathons in one year, and a new goal ahead
Kara’s endurance in 2025 didn’t stop at triathlon. She ran four major marathons: Dubai Marathon (where she also served as a 5-hour pacer), Muscat Marathon, Almaty Marathon, and the ADNOC Marathon.
When asked which one pushed her the most, she didn’t choose the hottest or the most exhausting—she chose the one where she delivered her best performance.
“I love all my runs because I don’t put pressure on it, but I’d say the most challenging one is in Almaty. It’s my personal best marathon time.”
Her role as a pacer in Dubai carried a different kind of weight. It wasn’t about her own finish line anymore, but about helping others reach theirs.
“Being a 5 hour marathon pacer is more than just setting the pace, it’s about helping runners push past their limits and stay focused,” she said. “The last kilometer is the toughest, but the sense of pride when they finish is what makes it all worth it. I’m proud to be part of this role.”
The discipline behind the calm
Behind the podium moments is a weekly routine built on consistency and support. Kara trains with structure, but she also credits the people around her for making the schedule possible.
“My weekly schedule can be like this depending on the races ahead. I am lucky to have a partner who’s always got my back,” she shared.
Her routine includes tempo runs, speed sessions, swimming, gym work, cycling, long runs, and recovery swims—carefully balanced with one essential element: rest.
And in 2026, Kara is not slowing down. She is eyeing races like Triyas, Sir Baniyas Challenge, Open Masters, and the ADNOC Marathon, while setting her sights even higher.
“My future goal is to participate in longer distance triathlon races,” she said. “In addition to those events, I’d also love to take on trail runs. Always a fan of supporting local races here in Abu Dhabi.”
