* Mubarak Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi sets the fastest known time for the circumnavigation of Qatar

On Friday December 4th, in the late afternoon Mubarak Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi arrived at the finish line on the Corniche (next to the Sheraton), 155 hours 30 minutes and 1 second after having set off on Saturday November 28th to set a Fastest Known Time (FKT) overall time for the run around Qatar.  Mubarak ran 484km in this time, which also included all breaks and short sleeps, of which he slept less than 25 hours in total.

Mubarak set his record in a supported mode (with aid from support crew), bettering the previous best overall time by 12 and half hours, which was set in an unsupported manner (without outside assistance) by Qatari resident, Frenchman, Pierre Daniel. Both athletes will now hold their respective FKT’s (supported/unsupported) until they are bettered.

On setting the new fastest overall time Mubarak comments ‘The run was without a doubt the hardest physical and mental challenge of my life, a true test of my spirit and determination. It was also one of the most memorable and wonderful experiences of my life, seeing our beautiful nation in complete and being joined each day by friends, family and supporters just coming out to encourage.’

He continues ‘I am very proud to have established the record as the first Qatari to do break the previous best overall time, that said it has also demonstrated to me the huge accomplishment of Pierre who did it without aid of a support crew. I hope that my accomplishment inspires more Qatari’s to push their limits whether it be in sport, art, culture, business or serving their community, and to live the fullest lives they can.’

He concludes ‘I would like to give special thanks to my support crew, their aid and assistance was truly inspirational and the moments we shared will be memories I treasure for all my days.’

His team included Adulaziz Alabdulla, Fahad Al Buenain, Fahad Al Hadfa, Faisal Al Zaman, Talal Al Emadi, Ali Al Mansouri, Ali Al Khulaifi ,Rashid Al Hajri, John Nuttall (Physiotherapist), Noel Cuaton (photographer) and his Coach Ryan Sosna-Bowd.

Mubarak’s accomplishment also captured the imaginations of people outside Qatar, with supporters following his route daily in Europe and the UK.

Mubarak’s route each day

Saturday – Doha Corniche to Madinat al Ka`ban

Sunday - Madinat al Ka`ban to Al Zubara

Monday - Al Zubara to Al-Jumayliyah

Tuesday - Al-Jumayliyah to Umm Bab

Wednesday - Umm Bab to Salwa Road /Sawda Natheel intersection

Thursday  - Salwa Road / Sawda Natheel intersection to Sealine

Friday – Sealine to Doha Corniche

See his full route here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1361861?units=km