Last One Standing

For most races, there’s a clear endpoint—a set distance we train for, visualize, and break down with familiar markers like “just five loops of the track” or “a parkrun to go.” Last One Standing (L1S) was something different.

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Twelve hours. Maximum distance around a 7.5 km loop. On technical trails. With a steep climb and descent right in the middle. The excitement was palpable as we arrived at the Hub in Hatta that morning. Runners from all across Dubai’s trail running community had gathered, and InnerFight Endurance (IFE) was no different—we had ten runners in the race. For some, it was a training opportunity for bigger events later in the season; for others, it was their first trail race ever!

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3, 2, 1…GO! We were off. The humidity was high, and as it eventually subsided, the sun came in strong, turning up the heat. Conditions got tougher, and it was amazing to watch how our athletes adjusted. They simply adapted—no complaints, no defeatist comments, just smiles and determination.

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Loop after loop passed, and the IFE gazebo became a pitstop oasis. Jamie and Jeff, who had given up their day to support us, kept everything running smoothly. Bottles were changed, food supplies were restocked, and before we knew it, they had us back on the course for "just one more loop."

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As the final hour approached and the sun began to set, I was time-capped halfway around the course at the highest point, marked by an illuminated “HATTA” sign. There, I met Fahad, who had just completed his first trail race. He’d covered nearly 58 km and looked as fresh as he did at the start.

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When we returned to the start/finish area, hugs, high-fives, and stories filled the air. It’s funny—nobody cared how far anyone ran. It wasn’t about the distance; it was about the experience. We shared stories of climbs, descents, funny falls, nutrition mishaps, and everything in between. It’s that shared depth of experience that makes trail and ultra racing so unique and fulfilling.

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This is why I love trail racing, ultra-racing, and the community we build around it. It makes us better athletes, yes, but also better humans. Every race, every loop, and every shared moment makes us all just a little better at life.