Abu Dhabi’s Late-Blooming Athletes Defy Age to Embrace Endurance Sports

Dr. Ziad Kassem, a 68-year-old dentist, never imagined himself as a marathoner. Anxious by nature and unable to run more than three kilometers, he only started his fitness journey at 65

Abu Dhabi, UAE – In a city known for its athletic spirit, a growing number of endurance athletes are proving that it is never too late to embrace sports—even after 60.

While many believe that athletic ability is shaped in youth, several Abu Dhabi residents have taken up running, cycling, and even triathlons in middle age, transforming their lives in unexpected ways.

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Dr. Ziad Kassem, a 68-year-old dentist, never imagined himself as a marathoner. Anxious by nature and unable to run more than three kilometers, he only started his fitness journey at 65.

Two years later, he completed his first full marathon, experiencing not just physical benefits but also a newfound sense of emotional well-being.

“Caffeine used to make me anxious, but now I can drink coffee any time without feeling jittery,” he said with a laugh. “I was not a very social person before, but sports changed that—I enjoy engaging in conversations now.”

Dr. Kassem’s transformation began when a patient introduced him to the Abu Dhabi Running Team (ADRT) in 2021.

He soon found himself hooked, losing eight kilograms and taking on new challenges, including cycling and swimming—two activities he was once discouraged from as a child.

Despite a challenging debut at a triathlon in Khor Fakkan, where he fainted from dehydration, Dr. Kassem persevered. “I learned my lesson about electrolytes,” he said. “Now, triathlons are part of my routine.”

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Running to De-Stress

For Racha Kabbara, a 53-year-old Lebanese mother, running became a way to reclaim her identity after her daughters left for university.

“I saw a Facebook ad about training for the ADNOC Marathon in 2019 and decided to give it a try,” she recalled. That year, she completed the 10km race, but she and her teammates wanted more. Encouraging their coach, Youssef Rochdi, to form an official running team, they laid the foundation for ADRT.

The pandemic only strengthened her resolve. She turned to virtual races and, in 2021, conquered her first full marathon at the age of 50.

“I wanted to prove to myself that I wasn’t getting old,” she said. “I trained for six months and finished without injuries.”

One of her most vivid memories is passing her family at the 20km mark, shouting, “I love you!”—only to later yell, “Why did you let me do this?” at the 40km mark in exhaustion. Today, she continues to challenge herself with strength training, trail runs, and duathlons, with triathlons next on her list.

The 42-Year-Old Ironman

Dr. Mohammed Al Hashmi’s fitness journey began in his 40s after years of neglecting sports.

The 42-year-old Emirati, a corporate assurance team leader, now competes in Ironman triathlons—grueling events requiring a 3.8km swim, 180km cycling, and a full marathon.

“After earning a PhD and raising five kids, I wanted to do something for myself,” he said.

From running short 3km distances to finishing endurance races worldwide, Dr. Al Hashmi found peace in long-distance sports. “It’s like meditation,” he said. “Things that once made me furious don’t bother me anymore.”

Having competed in global triathlons, including the World Triathlon Championship in Spain and Challenge Roth in Germany, Dr. Al Hashmi now plans to devote more time to family while continuing his athletic journey.

For Abu Dhabi’s late-blooming athletes, age is no barrier—only a starting line.

 

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members

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