Advisory By Experienced Runners Before The RAK Half Marathon: To Run With Proper Training.

Fact: Running marathons without good technique might lead to injuries.

Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will be held this Saturday, and thousands of UAE residents will run along with the runners to take part in the 10km, 5km, and 2km races. 

An abundance of running enthusiasts descend upon the roads of the UAE annually during the winter season to compete in the Abu Dhabi Marathon, Dubai Marathon, and Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon.

All three prime competitions draw elite runners from around the globe, with a particular emphasis on those hailing from Africa, renowned for producing the most significant number of champion long-distance runners.

Observing the substantial turnout of UAE citizens participating in these three renowned marathon competitions is encouraging.

The public's considerable engagement is expected in a nation spearheading initiatives to promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

However, what measures should beginner runners take before competing in major events like the Ras Al Khaimah?

A few months of consistent running three times per week is sufficient to qualify for a 10 km run or even a half-marathon.

“No, it's not," says Evgheni Pogonii, a Moldovan expat who lives in Dubai.

Pogonii, an experienced runner and a former martial arts athlete, won two national championships in combat sambo in Moldova. 

Since relocating to the UAE, the 37-year-old has also completed marathons in that nation. Before that, he competed in several marathons in his native country.

According to Pogonii, residents are extraordinarily fortunate to live in the UAE, where a magnificent government has introduced countless initiatives to encourage individuals to adopt a healthier way of living.

However, running marathons requires extreme caution.

"The system is very good. The idea is perfect; the government here is doing some amazing things to encourage people to be fit," said Pogonii.

Pogonii recently introduced Champions Way, an all-encompassing wellness community and platform that advised aspiring long-distance runners to undergo training under professional instructors' guidance before embarking on this endeavour.

“While it's great to see everyone running, many people run incorrectly. There are proper coaches who can train you where to place your foot, how to use your arms and shoulders, and how to move through space while you run," he said.

"It's important to understand that running 42 km and 5 km involves different running approaches. A lot of people seem to be unaware of the basic guidelines for feeling well when running, which include consuming water, salt, electrolytes, and energy reserves. There is a lack of education on these essentials, which causes cramping or, even worse, injury.”

Michelle Oribello, a 36-year-old resident of Dubai, was on the verge of giving up running after unpreparedly completing her first half-marathon.

"Before my first marathon (Ajman half-marathon), I was a random runner who ran races without adequate preparation since I thought I was young and had plenty of energy. I normally run with friends and groups of runners without learning the basic running methods, believing that it was simply stepping one foot after the other at a quick pace," she said.

"I did my 21 km without proper training, nutrition, or gear. I went through a lot just to finish the half marathon. I was able to accomplish it thanks to my great spirit and determination, although my body undoubtedly suffered.”

Oribello never repeated that mistake in her life as a runner.

"I stopped running, possibly because I was traumatised. After a few years, I considered pushing myself beyond my limitations. So I considered doing my first full marathon, but I didn't want to repeat the mistake I made with my 21km race," she said.

"That's when I discovered a group that offers full marathon training. The rest was history. I trained for five months, three times a week. I completed my first marathon in Beirut in four hours and 30 minutes, with no injuries."

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