With nearly 25,000 runners competing, running for charity, or simply keeping fit for fun, the Dubai Marathon once again was spectacular. This year we had 4 team members from XpertLearning taking to the road in the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon.
Paul Michael Gledhill, Co-Founder and Executive Director, XpertLearning, who has been a true participant every year quoted: “This year I learned that even when you think you are fit and ready, then think again. I spent less time training and getting ready than any previous year since 2010 and although I enjoyed it, I am still suffering 3 days later”.
We had 2 first-time runners from our team Krish Krishnan, Account Consultant and Amr Selim, Director of Client Services and this is what they had to say:
Krish : “This was the first time, I was participating in an official 10 km marathon. When I woke up on the day of the marathon, I was nervous and with some fear if I will be able to finish this marathon? So I took small steps to ensure I don’t lose hope and avoid any breaks in between while running the marathon. I was lucky enough to stick with my plans and I didn’t stop or take a break during the marathon. So I was able to run non-stop from the start to the finish line under 60 minutes. It was definitely a rewarding experience and looking forward for next year’s marathon. Many thanks to team XPL and Robbie, if it had not been a company-wide initiative, I wouldn’t have taken the efforts to participate on my own”.
Amr Selim: “It was my first time to participate in such an event. I exercise lightly twice a week and I walk a lot, but I was not really sure if I can complete the 10K run, so as a start I opted for the 4K fun run. I arrived there in good time before the race and was feeling overwhelmed by the number of people participating, but after 10 to 15 minutes I was ready to hit the ground running! I had so much fun running along hundreds of men, women and children of all ages and nationalities, the day was a typical Dubai day with its warmth and friendliness. Looking forward for next years event, I am either going to join my XpertLearning colleagues on the 10K or bring my kids and do the 4K with them”!
Robbie Cruz, IT Administrator- XpertLearning, who has been participating for last two years was equally enthusiastic and overwhelmed at the start, but a little disappointed with his speed this time as he said “I was 7 minutes behind from my previous 10K run, but hope to practice well in advance and do better next time”.
Kudos! to the Xperts who participated and we hope more people run again next year and break the record.
