Dubai-based desert explorer now on Ramadan ‘fasting run’

This Friday, a Dubai-based desert explorer and extreme athlete plans to make a statement about the boundless limits of the human spirit, the importance of food and water, and the necessity of exercise even during the Holy Month of Ramadan, by running and walking as many kilometers as he can in the hours between Suhoor and Iftar, while fasting.

Max Calderan, an Italian national, is calling his feat the "fasting run".

"One of the meanings of Ramadan is that is it a moment of awareness about the importance of food and water, especially when there are people in the world that cannot have them daily," he told Khaleej Times. "But I think it's also a time to give back and also provide a different point of view, even for people who aren't Muslim. It can be useful for many to understand the meaning of Ramadan."

To accomplish this, Calderan plans to run around a 50-kilometre track that passes through dunes and near to the Bab Al Shams hotel in Al Qudra Lakes. He will have a support team in place in case of any emergencies.

"Let's see how very difficult it is," he noted. "This will boost everyone's capabilities to understand the real meaning of what a lack of food and water means, and also boost our own limits. During Ramadan, many people say they can't do sports, or only do so after 10pm or midnight."

"Let's build a new team of people that start believing that the limits aren't where we suppose they are," he added. "We can make a new generation of people that can face difficulties to become even stronger."

Calderan is no stranger to seemingly impossible feats of physical endurance.

Last Ramadan, for example, he walked, non-stop and while fasting, 150 kilometers in under 24 hours between Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Dubai's Jumeirah Mosque to raise awareness about the less fortunate and the work of the Al Jalila Foundation. In a previous adventure, Calderan also ran -- again while fasting -- 250 kilometers across the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.

This year, Calderan said he hopes people join him, even if only for a brief part of his arduous trek.

"It could be for one hour, two hours, or even just for 30 minutes," he said. "For me, it's a matter of training and giving a message."

From a purely athletic perspective, Calderan also said he believes that occasional training in hot weather can be good for the body, and even help prepare people for emergency situations.

"Some research shows that training in the heat can be more beneficial than the same training in cooler weather. We need to break that mentality," he noted. "Also, we live in a desert area. People can get lost. If you try at least one time to walk or run while fasting, you can prepare yourself to reach distances of 40 or 50 kilometers without drinking. It's all about controlling your mind."

"Even in Ramadan, we can do many things," he added.

bernd@khaleejtimes.com