In a testament to the UAE’s emerging reputation in the endurance sports world, hundreds of international athletes recently gathered to test their limits on Ras Al Khaimah’s rugged mountain trails. The G.O.A.T. trail race, launched this year by Peak Sports, challenged runners to conquer demanding 50km and 30km routes, reaching elevations of up to 3,300 meters in the scenic Jebel Jais region.
Dana Matar, co-founder of Peak Sports and race organizer, noted in a Khaleej Times report that the event’s high-altitude trails posed one of the toughest tests in the region, surprising even the male and female champions from Russia with its technical challenges.
Globally, trail running has seen a significant surge in popularity, transitioning from niche activity to mainstream sport, with over 20 million enthusiasts worldwide. The UAE has embraced this trend, drawing local and international athletes eager to swap urban landscapes for mountainous paths, rocky terrain, and desert dunes.
Matar’s growing passion for this sport inspired her to establish Peak Sports in 2022, a company dedicated to creating world-class trail events and building a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts in the region. This year, the lineup expanded to include races like the Al Qudra Trail Race and next month’s “Last 1 Standing” endurance event in Hatta.
The UAE’s unique landscapes, from coastal trails to mountainous routes, have made it an ideal setting for trail runners. Local favorites include the Mother Hump trails in Wadi Shawka and Wadi Naqab’s jeep track, frequented by both seasoned athletes and new trail runners alike.
Government bodies such as the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and Dubai Sports Council have also fueled the sport’s growth by investing in trail infrastructure and supporting local events. Dubai Municipality recently opened a 9.7km hiking trail in Mushrif National Park, providing runners with another top-tier training location as the trail running community in the UAE continues to flourish.
