Three New Champions, Historic Achievements Mark End of Week Five at Esports World Cup
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Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Runners beat the heat, savor the sights in AlUla Desert Blaze
RIYADH: AlUla Desert Blaze, an annual race, kicked off again this year on Friday with over 500 runners from various countries taking up the challenge. The event is held over two days and is open to all levels of runners, from professionals to amateurs. Four race distances — 5 km, 10 km, 21.1 km (half marathon), and 42.2 km (full marathon) — take the competitors through AlUla's dramatic landscapes, from sand dunes to historical landmarks. For 42-year-old Mohammed Dakhil, AlUla holds a special place in his heart as it is where he had his first 50 km ultramarathon trail run in 2023. 'That was the first time I ever got to experience running in the landscape of AlUla and just seeing the natural beauty of it. Any opportunity I get to come and run is something that I always look forward to, because for some reason, it's the one place that really allows me to disconnect and feel like I can really connect with myself and be present when I'm running,' he told Arab News. Dakhil will take part in the race on Saturday. The courses begin at Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the full marathon route passes near the Maraya building and other prominent AlUla sites. As a regular runner and chief operating officer of the gym chain N2Fitness, Dakhil is a dedicated trainer — whether endurance, strength, or functional training. For him, running is more mental than physical. 'In terms of actual marathon running, the 42 km distance, during my training, I would take the distances up to 21 km, 25 km, and so on. So that enables me to be able to do the distance comfortably,' he said. Distance runners frequently hit a mental block that hinders the body's capacity to continue under pain and pressure — this is where the 'real training' happens to prepare for such races. 'No matter how much physical training I do, to get through a marathon and to do it in a positive way, a big part of it is really more mental than people think,' Dakhil said. 'What attracts me to this is I still get to see the beautiful landscape of AlUla, but it presents a different challenge, and that challenge is that it's extremely hot. To really see how far I can go and I can withstand and continue to push through the summer heat while under the sun is a different challenge of its own. And, honestly, that's something that I love doing. I just love pushing myself to the limit.' Saudi Arabia launched its first official marathon in 2022 and is committed to expanding the fitness scene, so it comes as no surprise that the annual marathon attracts international participation. 'I feel very proud every year as a Saudi to see these events being hosted in Saudi and to see, year over year, how the community grows, and the amount of people that come to these events grows,' Dakhil said. 'We notice it. And the best part about it is that you see people from all around the world, and it really makes us proud.' The race takes place in the same month as Dakhil's birthday — an opportunity he takes to celebrate the occasion and achieve a new goal. Lebanese American competitor Ali Younes also shares a birthday in August. The run is partly a celebration, but also a chance to give back to the place where his running journey began. Younes started taking running more seriously when he moved to the Kingdom a year ago and joined the running community We Run. 'Everybody that comes to this group, sometimes (starting) from scratch, has found their way and path to develop, and they found the support from the coaches and even from the running mates,' he said. Younes has lived in several countries due to his job in the UN, but said that 'I haven't seen such a supportive community in any other place.' He spent four months preparing for the race, and also plans to run the Chicago Marathon in October. Younes, who trains with the We Run group and his personal coach Hadeel Ashour, said that running is also 'about nutrition, hydrating your body, sleeping well, and mental toughness.' He added: 'Running is always easy to do. If you want to run, run a 1 km, but if you really want to experience life with all its ups and downs and challenges, you need to run a marathon.' While the summer heat might discourage some, especially in the midst of the desert, the runners said that the challenge will only add to the satisfaction of finishing their races. Aghiad Massarani, who also began running two years ago after joining We Run, has been training for the past six weeks for AlUla Desert Blaze. 'I've done a mix of speed sessions, long runs, and heat runs. I even did a couple of afternoon runs to help my body adapt to the climate,' he said. The race takes place amid AlUla's diverse natural landscapes, offering participants an exceptional sporting experience in a destination that celebrates the beauty of nature and the spirit of community and adventure. The race is considered one of the key events in the AlUla Moments calendar activities held throughout the year, allowing visitors and participants the opportunity to explore the rich natural and historical landmarks of the region.
Arab News
6 hours ago
- Arab News
NBA great Tyson Chandler says Abu Dhabi ‘is in for a show' when Knicks face 76ers
DUBAI: The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers are set to bring one of basketball's fiercest rivalries to the UAE capital this October, as they face off in The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 presented by ADQ. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The preseason matchups, taking place on Oct. 2 and 4 at Etihad Arena, will see two storied franchises meet in the Middle East, a stage Knicks legend Tyson Chandler believes will deliver far more than exhibition basketball. 'It's huge,' Chandler said recently. 'Players really enjoy going over there, experiencing a different culture, and broadening their horizons. 'It's just as beneficial for the fans as it is for the players. They get to see the NBA put on a great show, watch some of the top athletes in the world, and enjoy a great environment. Any time the NBA is able to connect globally, it's a great thing.' This year's clashes coincide with the 75th anniversary of the first Knicks–76ers meeting, a milestone Chandler says will only add to the intensity on court. 'Abu Dhabi is in for a show,' he added. 'When the Knicks and the 76ers roll in, you're looking at two of the most talented rosters in the NBA. We've got two of the best centers in the world, two of the best point guards, and great wings on both sides. 'Whatever a young basketball player likes, they're going to see someone they can watch, learn from, and take something away. I'm excited to see what that sparks in this young generation.' The games will mark an early test for new Knicks head coach Mike Brown, a hire Chandler believes is perfectly timed. 'I love the hire,' the two-time NBA All-Star said. 'The Knicks needed somebody who could push them but also relate to them. Mike has had success, he's got coaching experience in different spots, and I think he's in a great place in his career.' 'Just like players, coaches grow through their experiences. It's perfect timing for him.' Chandler, who won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, says the Knicks have the roster to challenge for the title if they can keep their focus. 'As far as personnel, I don't think they're missing anything,' he said. 'Getting Karl-Anthony Towns (in 2024) was huge. Matching him with Jalen Brunson and putting him in Madison Square Garden, there's a certain type of pressure that brings out the best in you.' 'They've also added Jordan Clarkson off the bench (last month), which gives them extra firepower. The key is staying locked in. New York can bring a lot of excitement, but it can also distract you from the main goal. I think Mike Brown will do an excellent job of keeping them focused on the main thing.' Chandler, who is spending this week in Manchester for the 22nd Basketball Without Borders Europe camp organized by the NBA and FIBA, is taking part in an event held for the first time in the UK. The camp has brought together 60 of the top high-school-age boys and girls from 27 countries across Europe. 'You can watch from afar, you know, and continue to develop your game, but it's different when you're able to see something up close,' Chandler said, commenting on the importance of the BWB camp. 'It's different when you're able to see the players live, and I think it's very inspiring. 'Games being global now is giving youngsters a chance to see live athletes, see what the measuring stick is, even be inspired. 'Basketball Without Borders, having great talent, players, current and former coaches, referees, that is a priceless experience they are having because it's going to spark something, whether it's now or later, that's going to really help shape and develop who they are in their careers. 'What Basketball Without Borders is doing is really planting the seeds around the world that are going to eventually pay off in the next generation of basketball players.' For Chandler, whether in Manchester or Abu Dhabi, it all comes down to inspiring the next generation.
Saudi Press
8 hours ago
- Saudi Press
Four Clubs Advance to Teamfight Tactics Semifinals at Esports World Cup
Four Clubs Advance to Teamfight Tactics Semifinals at Esports World Cup Thursday 20/02/1447 Riyadh Voice reader
