Monday, October 30, 2023

Gulf Running Clubs Fostering Community Spirit for Locals and Expats

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Christopher McDougall’s famous quote from his book “Born to Run” about the Tarahumara running tribe, “You do not stop running because you get old, you get old because you stop running,” is especially relevant on Global Running Day, which falls on June 7. Running has become a way of life for many people in the GCC region, with running groups and clubs springing up across communities in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Running clubs have become an “extension of our communities,” according to Nicolas le Roux, an established member of Dubai Creek Striders and an ASICS FrontRunner. Running clubs offer a supportive environment where people can get fit, deal with disappointments and celebrate successes. They also foster a sense of community spirit and offer opportunities for personal growth. Running has become increasingly popular in Kuwait in recent years, and Omar Al-Filakway, an ASICS FrontRunner coach based in Kuwait, has built up a strong online following through social media. Running has also helped to break down barriers for women in Gulf countries who want to practice the sport in public areas.

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