Dubai Snow Run: Participants don hats and gloves in desert winter wonderland – News

The event attracted 600 runners from 55 countries as far away as Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi

UAE citizens and residents were seen making the most of Sunday mornings as they traversed snowy landscapes and navigated the -4⁰C slopes of Ski Dubai.

Despite the unbearable heat outside, before entering the ice and snow park, the contestants can be seen wearing thick coats, hats and gloves, and wearing winter running shoes to prepare to enter the ice and snow park.

This year’s DXB Snow Run, the world’s first post-lockdown snowsports competition, is being held at the Mall of the Emirates (MOE) in partnership with Ski Dubai and Dubai Sports Council.

The event attracted 600 runners from more than 55 countries, from Ras Al Khaimah in the north to Abu Dhabi in the south, competing in what is billed as the “world’s best indoor ski resort”.

Karis Brown won the women’s 3km overall on 00.16.37, while Rich Zielinski won the men’s 3km on 00.15.01. Ann Wanjohi won the women’s 5km after five laps of Ski Dubai on 00.28.41, while Mohammed Al Hassani won the men’s 5km with a time of 00.20.38. The team category was introduced this year and health club Block20 from Umm Al Quwain topped the list with an average of 00.53.59.

Interviewed by Khaleej Times between runs was participant and Lebanese expatriate Lulu Samneh.

With each step, Samneh and her friends traverse the pristine white surroundings, feeling the crispness of cold air on their faces, while the sound of each person’s footsteps on the snow creates a rhythmic pattern.

After a successful 5km run, she said: “It was fantastic, I really enjoyed it. I came all the way from Ras Al Khaimah just to do this special event. It was my first time, definitely not me Last time. It was a bit of a challenge, but I love a challenge. It’s really hard to run on high slopes, especially when it’s so cold. But the adrenaline is amazing. I’m used to trekking in Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah I love all kinds of physical activity and love taking on challenges like this. I have been riding for over ten years. I do the gym, swim and hike. I came with a friend of mine.”

Competitors said the snow-covered terrain presented varying degrees of difficulty, from powdery trails to short, tight trails.

Ras Al Khaimah resident and UAE national Saeed Mohammad was one of 30 Emirati who enthusiastically participated. “I’m a football player, but running with my friends is a challenge, not to mention slippery terrain,” he quipped. “We found out about it at an event on Instagram. It was my first time running here and I loved it. I’ll be back next time, Inshallah!”

Participants reported that the physical demands of running on snow engage different muscles, increasing the intensity of the activity.

UAE-Filipino Lou Tabara, who traveled all the way from Sharjah, experienced some scares during the 3km run.

He said: “I had an asthma attack in the middle of my run. But I didn’t want to give up. I decided to walk and take my time. I believe slow and steady sometimes wins the race. It took me about 40 minutes, but I finally did it. This is me First time running in Ski Dubai. Everyone is so motivated and people keep following me.”

“I didn’t train specifically for this run, but I do run regularly,” Tabara added.

Runners try to adjust their stride and pace to the slippery surface, being careful to maintain balance and stability as they cross the finish line.

Russian expatriate Daria Smith said: “I’m afraid I didn’t practice much for running. But we had a lot of fun here. We did it as a team. Joining me today are my sporting friends – hiking and cycling. Otherwise I Will be hiking and skiing elsewhere. I’m also biking and running here. Uphill is definitely harder than downhill. I look forward to coming back next year.”

UAE national Khadem AlRemeithi traveled all the way from Abu Dhabi. He said he dedicated a month to practicing for his final match.

“This one was fun, I really liked it, now I’ll wait for the next one. I’m taking part for the first time. I’m not practicing in the snow, I’m practicing outside on normal roads. I cycle and run. I train with my team at least 3 times a week and have been preparing for this one for a month now. My biggest challenge was the descent was easy despite all the practice. I did the 3km in 41 minutes game,” he said.