Ramadan Al-Qudra Night Race: Run, Connect & Conquer the Desert

On March 14th, hundreds of runners will take to the Al-Qudra desert for the second edition of the Ramadan Al-Qudra Night Trail Race, organised by Dubai-based Peaks Sports. With 5km, 10km, and 17km distances available, participants from all across the region will come together for a nighttime run under some clear desert skies.

“Peaks Sports aims to revolutionise the UAE’s trail-running scene; built on the belief that running connects people,” Dana Matar, founder of Peaks Sports, tells SceneNowUAE. “This Ramadan race is about giving back to the community, and bringing people together through a shared love of running and nature.”

With Ramadan at its core, the event is timed to allow runners to break their fast before the race, pray and then hit the trail. After crossing the finish line, participants will gather for a complimentary suhoor in a traditional Bedouin-style setting, complete with night lighting, fostering a unique blend of sport, culture and connection. “We want to use this race to showcase the beautiful culture we live in and unite people from different nationalities through their love of running,” Matar says.

The trail-running scene across the MENA region and the UAE has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with an increasing demand for new races and challenges. Matar, a seasoned trail runner for 11 years, recalls a time when she would run in the mountains alone or with a very small group. “Now, you can tangibly see the growth of the sport. There are always people in the mountains, it's so beautiful to see,” she shares.

This momentum fuels a cycle of innovation, with organisations like Peaks Sports continuously expanding the race calendar to meet growing interest. The desert, in particular, offers a distinctive challenge, as running on sand enhances stamina, endurance, and is low-impact on the body.

The Ramadan Al-Qudra Night Race isn’t just for well seasoned athletes like Dana. It welcomes runners of all levels, including many first-time trail runners who find themselves hooked after experiencing the thrill. “So many people have actually started their trail-running journey because they were motivated by this race,” Matar says.

But the journey doesn’t end here. Peaks Sports has a lineup of races coming up , including a ‘Vertical Race’ in Ras Al Kaimah in April, a desert ultra-marathon to be held in October, as well as a ‘Last Man Standing’ race in the Hajar mountains in November.

For those still on the fence about signing up, Matar has one succinct piece of advice: "Just go for it." Registration closes on March 12th.