Tuwaiq Trail Race
Photo of the sunrising behind Tuwaiq Mountain
I first heard about Tuwaiq Trail Race in Novermeber 2022 after it took place. It is an ultra-marathon (50k), half marathon and10k Trail Race on Tuwaiq Mountain. It seemed like such an amazing race and I immediately planned to join next year. When I looked at videos of the past race, it seemed like it took place way up high on the top of the mountain. Very beautiful but at the same time, a little scary. You see, I’m afraid of heights, but I’ve been trying to over come this fear. I have done many things out of my comfort zone and I’m not as afraid as I use to be. So, for about a year, I dreamed and worried about completing this race. In February 2023, I completed my first 10k race. It felt great reaching the finish line and reciveing my medal. Especially after a year of dizziness and health issues.
As the date to Tuwaiq race grew closer, I began to doubt myself, could I complete it? How would I go alone? Would it be too high up? I told my personal trainer (and friend) about it and she encouraged me to sign up, she wanted to sign up too and we started planning for the race. I was so excited. As soon as they opened registration for the race, I signed up, my friend wasn’t sure she could sign up because she might have to work that day. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to sign up, but if it wasn’t for her, I would have never signed up. Then I heard from the founder of RWG that this year the 10k race wasn’t going to be as highup as last year. Wen I heard that I was a mix of relief and disappointment because I was looking forward to challenging myself. When I signed up for the race, I also signed up for the bus service, since Tuwaiq Mountain is a little over an hour drive from my house.
As the day came closer, I became more nervous, I even dreamt that I overslept and missed the race! The day before the race I made sure I rested and ate well, because I prefer to exercise on an empty stomach. I could barly sleep and maybe slept for an hour, I made myself a cup of coffee at 3 in the morning and got dressed for the race. My husband dropped me off at the bus station and I got on the bus with one of the lovely RWG members. It was great to have someone familiar to sit with on the drive there. This group is great, even though we’d never met before, it felt like we were old friends. She was doing the 21k! We arrived, prayed Fajir (morming prayer) dropped off our bags and started warming up for the race. She started before me so I continued to warm up until it was time for the race. We had the pleasure of watching the sunrise behind the mountain. it was such a beautiful sunrise! One I will always remember. The weather was crisp and cold but not too cold, I knew as soon as we started the race I would warm up. The atmosphere was very exciting. Everyone was preparing for the race, warming up, stretching. I found two other lovely RWG members and we stood at the starting line together. We counted down together and everyone was off! I walked at my own pace, my goal was not to be last! Haha so I didn’t mind being slower than so many. After walking a short distance we left behind the starting point, with the loud music and people cheering. The desert was so peaceful and beautiful I couldn’t help stopping every once and a while to admire the beauty and take some photos.
The atmosphere was very friendly, at one point a lady tripped and fell, I had alcohol swabs and badaids with me, I stopped to see if she was ok thankfully. I almost fell, someone behind me cheered me on; “I didn’t fall” I said. I think I was reassuring myself more than him. Let’s race! He suggested, I told him I’d catch up as soon as. I caught my breath.
Towards the end, the finish line seemed like a mirage. It seemed to move farther as I walked closer. I was getting tired but I moved on. As I got closer to the finish line I could hear them cheering me on, I could hear my name! That gave me the boost I needed. Crossing the finishing line felt great! I did it! I finished my first tail race. Despite all the doubts and fears, I overcame everything and made it! It felt great! I am so proud for myself and I’m planning on training for the half marathon next year in Tuwaiq inshallah.