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JEDDAH: Saudi runner Nasser Hakami is making waves in the world of mountain running, carrying the Kingdom’s name from Tuwaiq Mountain to international arenas.

The 40-year-old told Arab News his long-standing passion for mountains has fueled his commitment to training and competition. 

“Passion and ambition drove me to this sport, as I have loved mountains since I was young and I love the mountainous nature,” Hakami said. “I found myself in it — my passion for nature, and it’s my way to escape from the pressures of life.”

I love representing the Kingdom and the Arabs, and I embody that through the Saudi outfit that I wear with great pride.

Nasser Hakami, Saudi endurance runner

Hakami, who lives in Riyadh, has competed in more than a dozen mountain races in the Kingdom and beyond, including AlUla Trail Race, the Ultra-Trail Chiangmai in Thailand, and the Black River Peak ultra-trail in Mauritius. 

He claims to be the first Arab runner to have completed the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, one of the world’s toughest trail ultramarathons — 171 kilometers long with elevation gain of 10,000 meters, which took place this year on Aug. 29.

“I was able to run for 40 hours and 53 minutes to complete this challenge which goes through the stunning trails of France, Italy, and Switzerland … (and I am) the first Arab to achieve this unique accomplishment,” he said.

He described the greatest challenges of the race as the extreme cold, heavy rain, and the fight against fatigue. “The tough training was the secret to my readiness,” he added.

At the finish line, Hakami celebrated by wearing traditional Saudi attire — iqal and bisht — to highlight the Kingdom’s culture. 

“I love representing the Kingdom and the Arabs, and I embody that through the Saudi outfit that I wear with great pride. The audience’s interaction was very touching,” he said.

Despite facing rugged terrain, harsh conditions, and a lack of sponsorship, Hakami has continued to excel.

“My passion for what I do made me overcome (these challenges). When you enjoy what you love, nothing can stop you from being creative,” he said.

Hakami added that mountain running has shaped his character and developed him personally and professionally. “It has given me foresight, taught me to think outside the box and find solutions to every problem,” he explained.

His preparation includes mental conditioning as well as physical training: “I prepare myself by watching motivational videos and reading development books, in addition to training with a group of friends to break the routine and pressure of training.”

Speaking of his deep connection to the Saudi landscape, he said: “Tuwaiq Mountain is a source of inspiration for me, and many of my long training sessions are held there. I draw my strength from this mountain.”

Looking ahead, Hakami hopes to push himself even further. “I dream of representing the Kingdom in the world’s longest race in the US,” he said. “If (I can find) sponsors who support this dream.”