Scaling Peaks: How Trail Running is Transforming the UAE

What if I told you that trail running isn’t just about conquering rugged terrains, but about building a community, showcasing natural beauty, and redefining what’s possible?

In this inspiring episode of Trail Chasers, host Dean Horwitz sits down with Dana Matar, a trail runner turned race organizer and founder of Peak Sports, to discuss how she’s transforming the UAE's trail running scene. From humble beginnings to organizing some of the region’s most challenging races, Dana shares her journey of creating inclusive events that attract beginners and elites alike.

Dean and Dana delve into the challenges of organizing races in the UAE's rugged mountains and deserts, the rapid growth of the trail running community, and how Peak Sports is breaking boundaries with events like the GOAT Race. They also discuss the role of sustainability, innovation, and collaboration in ensuring the future of trail running in the Emirates.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Dana’s transition from passionate trail runner to visionary race organizer.
How Peak Sports is showcasing the UAE’s technical and scenic terrains to the world.
Insights into balancing inclusivity with the demands of elite racing.
The importance of sustainability and community in trail race organizing.
Dana’s vision for the future of trail running in the UAE, including alliances with global championships.

Whether you’re an avid trail runner, a race organizer, or someone dreaming of their next adventure, Dana’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and innovation.

Tune in now to discover how Dana is scaling peaks and building a trail running legacy in the UAE!

For more on Peak Sports 
https://www.peakssports.com/
https://www.instagram.com/peaks_sports/

Transcript

Scaling Peaks: How Trail Running is Transforming the UAE

In this episode of The Trail Chasers podcast, host Dean Horwitz sits down with Dana, founder of Peak Sports, to explore the burgeoning trail running scene in the United Arab Emirates. Dana shares her personal journey from discovering trail running upon moving to the UAE a decade ago to establishing Peak Sports, an organization dedicated to elevating the quality of trail races in the region.

They discuss the diverse terrains of the UAE, from rugged mountains to expansive deserts, and how these landscapes offer unique challenges and opportunities for runners of all levels. The conversation delves into the rapid growth of the trail running community, the intricacies of organizing large-scale events, and the future aspirations of Peak Sports, including their integration into the one hundred World Championship series.

Listeners will gain insight into how trail running is not only transforming the sports culture in the UAE but also contributing to sports tourism and community building.

Dean:
Welcome to the Trail Chasers podcast! I’m your host, Dean Horwitz, and I’m thrilled to share this journey with you. Each week, we’ll be hitting the trails with some of South Africa’s most inspiring trail runners, diving into the topics that matter most, and uncovering the secrets of this incredible sport. Lace up your trail shoes and join me on this adventure.

I’m super excited to have you here today. Let’s get into it—I’d love to hear about your trail running journey and, of course, the amazing races you’re organizing. Welcome to the show!

Dana:
Thanks so much for having me, Dean. I’m really excited to talk about Peak Sports and trail running! My journey started with a love for outdoor activities growing up. When I moved to the UAE about ten years ago, I discovered trail running, and it completely changed my life. A year ago, I took the leap, quit my full-time job, and started working on Peak Sports full-time, organizing races.

Dean:
Wow, that’s such a bold move! What inspired you to go all in?

Dana:
We’d been organizing races since 2022 while I was still working full-time, but we saw a huge gap in the quality of trail races here in the UAE. The potential to grow the sport and create something special was just too exciting to ignore, so I decided to commit to it fully.

Dean:
That’s amazing. So, how has trail running evolved in the UAE over the past decade?

Dana:
It’s grown so much! When I first started, there was just a small group of us running trails. Now, it’s incredible to see more than 400 or 500 runners signing up for races. It’s not a niche sport anymore—it’s really taken off.

Dean:
That’s fantastic. How has the transition been for you, going from trail runner to event organizer?

Dana:
It’s been a massive change. As a runner your focus is on your training, your performance, and exploring new races. As an organizer, it’s all about creating those opportunities for other people. I miss racing sometimes but seeing someone cross the finish line—knowing they’ve achieved their goal—makes it all worth it.

Dean:
That’s such a rewarding perspective. Looking back, do you have any particularly memorable races or experiences?

Dana:
Oh, absolutely. One that stands out is a stage race in Bhutan. It was two hundred kilometres over a week, with about 10,000 meters of elevation gain. The scenery, the altitude, the people I met—it was unforgettable. It’s so different from running in the UAE, and it really pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Dean:
That sounds incredible. Speaking of the UAE, when most people think of it, they picture deserts. What’s the terrain like for trail running?

Dana:
That’s such a common misconception! Yes, we have deserts, but the UAE also has sharp, rugged, and steep mountains. For example, one of our upcoming races has 6,500 meters of elevation gain. The weather adds an extra challenge—it can get hot during the day and cool and windy at night. It’s definitely not what people expect!

Dean:
Does the weather limit your racing season?

Dana:
It does. The trail running season here is from October to April. Anything beyond that is just too hot and unsafe for long-distance races.

Dean:
Got it. What makes your races stand out? Do they each have their own vibe?

Dana:
Oh, definitely. Each race is unique. We organize everything from evening desert runs during Ramadan, where you use a headlamp, to our toughest race, the GOAT, with its 6,500 meters of elevation. We also cater to all levels, from 5k fun runs to challenging 100k ultramarathons.

Dean:
How do you balance catering to beginners while still appealing to elite runners?

Dana:
It’s all about inclusivity. We host group runs every weekend, work with coaches, and even offer training plans to help people prepare. For elites, we make sure the courses are tough and rewarding. For beginners, we keep things accessible with long cutoff times, so they can hike the course if they need to.

Dean:
That’s such a thoughtful approach. What are some of the challenges you face when organizing these events?

Dana:
The terrain can be a logistical nightmare. A lot of our races are in remote areas, so setting up aid stations—especially at high elevations—takes serious planning. For the GOAT race, for example, we’ll have five aid stations along a 100k course with a 32-hour cutoff. Safety is always our top priority, but it’s a lot to manage.

Dean:
It sounds like a massive effort. Has the government been supportive?

Dana:
They’ve been great! Trail running is growing in the UAE, and they’re starting to see its potential—not just as a sport, but as a way to boost tourism. Our races highlight stunning locations like Jebel Jais, which features ziplines and mountain bike trails. It’s beautiful and really puts the UAE on the map for outdoor adventure.

Dean:
That’s incredible. What do you think makes the GOAT race so special?

Dana:
It’s held at the highest point in the UAE, around 1,900 meters, and crosses into some of the most rugged and remote areas. The views are breathtaking, and the technical challenges make it a bucket-list race for many runners.

Dean:
How’s the response been for the 100k distance?

Dana:
Amazing! Since we launched the first GOAT race in January, people have been asking for more. This year, we’re attracting runners from all over—South Africa, Europe, Russia—you name it. It’s becoming an international event, which is so exciting.

Dean:
That’s fantastic. How are you spreading the word about the races to attract such a global audience?

Dana:
It’s a mix of things. We’re really active on social media, and our marketing team works hard to spread the word. Being part of the one hundred World Championship as an alliance race has been a game-changer—it’s drawn a lot of attention, especially from elite runners. But honestly, word of mouth is huge in the trail running community. Runners follow each other’s journeys, and that’s helped us grow organically.

Dean:
Speaking of elite runners, have you put extra focus on attracting them?

Dana:
Yes, especially with the 100k distance. Being an alliance race means we’re part of a global championship series, which automatically brings in elite athletes. They earn points based on their performance, which helps them qualify for other championship races. It’s a huge milestone for us and for the region.

Dean:
That’s incredible! Tell me about the race village—what’s the vibe like there?

Dana:
In our first year, the race village was a challenge because of the remote location. We’re working to improve that for the next edition. We’re planning to include traditional Arabic-style tents to highlight the local culture, more food options, and activities to create a lively, welcoming environment for both runners and spectators. We want people to hang out, celebrate, and soak up the atmosphere.

Dean:
That sounds amazing. How do you ensure everything runs smoothly on race day?

Dana:
Preparation is everything. For the 100k, we’ll have fifteen aid stations, medics stationed throughout the course, and marshals who trained in wilderness safety. We also work closely with the Civil Defence for scenarios that might require helicopters or other emergency responses. Plus, we do detailed pre-race briefings with the runners to make sure everyone knows what to expect and how to stay safe.

Dean:
It sounds like you’ve thought of everything. Do locals have an advantage because they know the terrain better?

Dana:
Not really. Most of the mountains are open to everyone, so runners—whether local or international—have the same opportunity to train on the courses. That said, some of the farmers or residents who live in these areas are incredibly fit. They go up and down the mountains every day as part of their lives, so when they participate, they’re naturally a little faster!

Dean:
I can imagine! What’s your biggest stress during race week?

Dana:
Honestly, I don’t breathe easy until the last runner crosses the finish line. During the race, everything usually runs smoothly, but we’re always prepared for the unexpected. For example, there was a runner once who decided to stop mid-race and walk to his car without telling anyone. He didn’t fill out his emergency contact details, and we couldn’t reach him by phone. We had to involve the police and send teams out to find him—it took seven hours! Thankfully, he was safe, but those kinds of situations can be incredibly stressful.

Dean:
Wow, that sounds intense. What kind of time are you expecting the winner of the 100k to finish in?

Dana:
We’re estimating around 15 to 16 hours. The cutoff is 32 hours, so there’s a wide range to accommodate everyone.

Dean:
What about the weather? Does it change a lot during the race?

Dana:
Oh, absolutely. In the early morning, it can drop to 12 degrees Celsius or even lower. During the day, it warms up to around 26–28 degrees, which is comfortable by our standards, but when you’re running for hours, it can feel intense. Then, at night, it gets windy and cold again. We prepare for both extremes with hot soup at some aid stations and ice water at others.

Dean:
Does rain ever play a factor?

Dana:
Rain here is rare, but when it does happen, it’s dangerous because the trails can flash flood. We spend a week before the race clearing small rocks from the trails to make them safer, but heavy rain can change everything. It’s something we always monitor closely.

Dean:
There’s so much detail involved. What’s the most rewarding part of all this for you?

Dana:
It’s hard to put into words. There’s the high of seeing everything come together after months of demanding work, and then there’s the joy of hearing from runners about their experiences. But it’s not always easy—I go through a lot of highs and lows leading up to the event. Some days I wonder if I’m doing the right thing, and other days I feel on top of the world. It’s the journey that makes it all worthwhile.

Dean:
That’s beautifully said. Do you have any standout moments from the races so far?

Dana:
So many! One that stands out is seeing beginners who were hesitant at first cross the finish line with the biggest smiles. It reminds me why we do this—to create an experience that challenges and inspires people.

Dean:
What about sustainability? It’s such an important topic in trail running. How do you incorporate it into your races?

Dana:
We’re very conscious of it. For example, we don’t use plastic bottles at aid stations, which is tough logistically, but it’s the right thing to do. We also organize cleanup events in the mountains to remove litter and educate the community about sustainability. There’s always more we can do, but we’re making progress.

Dean:
That’s great to hear. How is the availability of trail running gear and nutrition in the UAE?

Dana:
It’s improved a lot over the years. When I started, I had to travel or order online just to get decent shoes. Now, brands like Salomon, Hoka, and Dynafit are available locally, and nutrition is even more accessible because it overlaps with other sports like cycling.

Dean:
Do you have sponsors for the races?

Dana:
Yes, we’ve been lucky to have great sponsors, including Hoka, for several years. As our events grow, more sponsors are reaching out to us, which is exciting.

Dean:
Where do you see Peak Sports in the next few years?

Dana:
The vision is huge. Now that we’re part of the one hundred World Championship, we’re considering adding a 100-mile race, in 2026. We’re also expanding our calendar with new races and ideas, and we want to grow our team. The ultimate goal is for Peak Sports to become a leading name in trail running—not just in the UAE, but across the region.

Dean:
That’s so exciting. Where can people follow along or get more information?

Dana:
Our website and Instagram are the best places to stay updated. We’re regularly active on Instagram, where we share race details, updates, and even group WhatsApp links for runners to connect. During race weekends, we also have live tracking and results available online.

Dean:
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Dana. Good luck with the upcoming races—I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds!

Dana:
Thank you, Dean. It’s been such a pleasure talking to you.

Dean:
Feeling fired up after this episode? Dive into more trail running adventures by checking out our other episodes wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with us on Instagram @TrailChasersPod—we’d love to hear your thoughts. Until next time, keep chasing those trails!

About Peak Sports and Their Races

Peak Sports is redefining trail running in the UAE and the region by creating unique, inclusive, and challenging events for runners of all levels. Founded by Dana and her team, Peak Sports has grown from a small, experimental race in 2022 to a recognized name in trail running, now part of the prestigious one hundred World Championship.

Signature Races by Peak Sports

1. The GOAT Race (January):
   Held at the highest point in the UAE, this race features steep, technical terrain with distances ranging from 15k to 100k. It’s the toughest race in the region, offering breathtaking views and a true test of endurance.
2. Desert Race (March):
   A stunning evening run through the iconic UAE desert, where participants race under the stars using headlamps.
3. Vertical Race (April):
   The first of its kind in the UAE, this race focuses on steep ascents, combining fitness with the thrill of sky running.
4. Last One Standing (November):
   Inspired by the Backyard Ultra format, runners push themselves to complete as many loops as possible within a set time limit—ideal for competitive spirits and endurance junkies.
5. Community Races (Various Dates):
   Events like the "Chaka Race" offer shorter distances (5k, 10k, 15k) and even kids’ categories, creating a welcoming space for beginners and families.

In addition to these races, Peak Sports organizes workshops, group runs, and community events to build a strong and supportive trail running culture.

Whether you’re an elite athlete looking to conquer technical terrain or a beginner taking your first steps into trail running, Peak Sports has something for everyone. To learn more, visit their website or follow them on Instagram for race updates, training tips, and more.