At 36 years old, Aakash has spent the last decade running in various countries for the same reason, all while working full-time as an advertising manager for a European ad agency. Although he isn’t a professional athlete, he has completed several ultra-distances runs worldwide, including a 100-kilometre run from Abu Dhabi to Dubai five years ago and multiple endurance runs in Japan, Spain, Portugal, Sri Lanka, and India.

Having moved to Dubai a year ago, Aakash shared his journey in the world of barefoot running: “I’ve been running barefoot for 10 years. It feels more natural to me. Shoes can restrict the natural movement of our feet, and by running barefoot, I also promote a zero-carbon message.”

Recalling his experience, Aakash noted that the Hatta-to-Dubai run posed unexpected challenges. “The heat, especially from 10am to 3pm, was intense. I developed painful blisters, which made the last stretch incredibly tough,” he admitted. “Normally, I don’t get blisters, but this time, the road conditions were harsher than expected.”

Navigating the busy highways presented additional challenges, but Aakash persevered. “The last 25 kilometers in the city were tough due to traffic. I had to stay focused, especially with blisters forming on my feet,” he noted. “But once you reach a certain point, the pain fades into the background as you fixate on the finish line.”

Running along highways required some logistical considerations, but he managed with minimal disruption. “I ran on the extreme left side of the road and sought permission from the authorities. When running alone, you don’t need a special permit, but you do so at your own risk,” he explained.

While Aakash ran solo, he had a support crew that provided nourishment and hydration at intervals. He highlighted that while the run was primarily about raising awareness for AZRAQ’s initiatives, it also aimed to inspire community action: “It’s about letting people know what we can do to protect our oceans.” Reflecting on his nutrition during the run, he stated, “I relied solely on tender coconut water and water.”

Aakash expressed his intentions to continue running for good causes, with plans to explore new locations for future runs. “I’m already considering Lebanon for my next adventure,” he said.