Completes historic Gulf triple challenge—covering nearly 900km across UAE, Qatar and Bahrain in one month—to raise funds for Dubai Cares.
DUBAI — Endurance athlete Evren Ozka has set a new national record by running across the UAE in just 5 days, 11 hours and 19 minutes, capping a historic month-long challenge that also saw him break running records in Qatar and Bahrain.
Ozka’s UAE leg covered approximately 630 kilometres and finished on UAE National Day, surpassing his own previous crossing time by over 11 hours. It formed the final segment of a gruelling “Gulf triple” in which he ran nearly 900km in total to raise funds for Dubai Cares, supporting children’s education worldwide.
Three Nations, One Month
The challenge began with Ozka running 192km across Qatar in 26.5 hours, followed by 68.5km in Bahrain in just over 11 hours. The UAE stretch was the most demanding, requiring days of near-continuous motion amid fatigue, isolation and shifting conditions.
“For me, this wasn’t just about running across countries or breaking records,” said Ozka. “It was about proving who I’ve become. A few years ago, I couldn’t run a kilometre.”
A Journey of Transformation
Ozka’s achievement marks a dramatic personal turnaround from being overweight and unable to run short distances to completing one of the region’s most daunting ultra-running feats. His journey was powered by years of disciplined training and a determination to push physical and mental limits.
He was supported along the way by running communities in each country, including athletes from the LFG group in the UAE, Puma’s Coach Biha in Qatar, and the Bahrain Warriors. Ozka wore PUMA running shoes throughout the challenge.
Running with Purpose
Beyond athletic accolades, the runs aimed to amplify support for global education. Funds raised will benefit Dubai Cares’ programmes for underprivileged children.
“To finish almost 900 kilometres in one month across three nations, and to do it for a cause like Dubai Cares, means more than a record,” Ozka reflected. “It’s proof that anyone can rewrite their life if they start and push.”
