Bayt.com Staff At The Dubai Marathon – 10k
Runners nervously bounce from one foot to the other, trying to stay warm on this cold rainy morning. The marathoners ran off into the dark street a few minutes back, and now the 10k runners get anxious as their start approaches. Some runners wear smiles on their faces – either out of confidence in their pending performance or resignation to the looming pain. Others are quieter, choosing to focus inward. In all cases, these runners have woken early to participate in the 10k road race at the 2009 Dubai Marathon.
up early and ready to go!
This was the scene last Friday January 16th, and amongst this group of runners was a sizable group wearing the colours of Bayt.com.
The Dubai Marathon is the richest Marathon in the world, and this year featured a $1 million bonus for anyone who set a new Marathon world record, so it was easy for Bayt.com staff to get motivated by the excitement of this event. We were also sporting the message of “For Gaza” on our backs showing solidarity with our regional neighbors who are struggling under hardship.
all smiles before the race
No Bayt.com staff ran the Marathon this year, but we had a great turnout for the 10k. It was a great moment for our staff to come together. We were up bright and early for the 6:45am start and the cold, rainy morning made it a little more difficult to get warm and ready. Despite the elements, we had a great turnout of seasoned runners, new runners, and others in-between.
we did it!
The beauty of the event was that all of us found inspiration in this participation. Seasoned runners reached new milestones. Occasional runners found a new excitement and motivation for their training. Newer runners found validation for their efforts and their new-found activity. Non-runners learned – like everyone else – that we are capable of much more than we often give ourselves credit for.
hope
Without question, we were all left with the feeling that we can go beyond what we formerly accepted as “possible” and reminded ourselves that “easy” does not lead to “achievement” and that “challenge” and “excitement” are close friends. In a world of both enduring joy and hardship, it’s nice to be reminded and energized by the sunshine found after running through the rain.
April 9th, 2009 at 3:22 am
woo, congratulations for the sport
was temperature all right ?
April 9th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Thanks! Actually, it was <10C at the start. We’re not used to that around here.