Dubai’s Stephen Melia to run 5 ultra-marathons on Kite Beach for Palestinians in Gaza

Mindset coach Stephen Melia is preparing to run five consecutive 112 km ultra-marathons on Kite Beach in Dubai, covering a total of 560 km for the ‘Gaza in Our Hearts’ campaign by Dubai Cares. His aim is to raise Dh560,000.

Dubai Cares supports emergency relief aid for the people of Gaza. The 36-year-old father-of-one from the UK is going to start the intense run from November 18. The tough activity is bound to test his physical and mental limits, challenging him to do the best.

Melia started planning for the run in May, researching different distances to create the challenge. Initially, he had the idea to run the entire length of Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. But he later adjusted the route to a more accessible 6 km loop of the Kite Beach track.

“Encouraging everyone to make movement their medicine”

“People have been … telling me they are preparing to run the farthest they ever have ith me,” The National quoted Melia as saying. “That makes me happy because it’s not just about my personal goal … but also about encouraging everyone to make movement their medicine.”

For nutrition, he has been preparing his gut for consuming about 8,000 calories per day during the challenge. For his training, he has been focusing on a mix of long runs, shorter intense efforts, strength training and recovery techniques like ice baths.

The British mindset coach plans to run about 15 hours a day to complete the distance but is preparing for any possible scenario. He is confident that he’ll be able to cover that distance. “Not finishing is an option, but it’s not on my mind,” he further mentioned.