Dubai, UAE – British expat and seasoned adventurer Harry Amos is set to embark on an extraordinary 630-kilometre run across all seven emirates of the UAE, aiming to set a Guinness World Record while raising awareness about the global diabetes epidemic.
The 38-year-old former military man will begin his six-day journey at 4 a.m. on Friday from Fujairah, pushing his endurance limits with a meticulously planned route and an intense nutritional regimen.
Amos, who has lived in the UAE since 2016, is no stranger to extreme challenges. In 2023, he rowed 4,800 kilometres across the Pacific Ocean.
However, his latest feat will test his resilience in an entirely new way, as he navigates varying terrains and extreme weather conditions across the emirates.
“I am trying to look calm and relaxed on the outside, but I’m paddling like mad under the surface,” Amos told Khaleej Times ahead of his run.
“There are so many question marks on what will happen at various points and how my body will react. The slightest injury, incorrect nutrition, or various other factors can change everything.”
A Gruelling Route from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi
Amos’ trek will start at the Fujairah coastline, before heading into the rugged hills toward Ras Al Khaimah. From there, he will make his way westward toward Ajman, briefly touching Umm Al Quwain before continuing. His first day alone will cover approximately 110 kilometres.
On the second day, he will run from Ajman to Dubai via Sharjah, eventually reaching Jebel Ali and Ghantoot. The final stretch will see him running along Sheikh Zayed Road towards Abu Dhabi.
“For almost four days, the view is not going to be particularly interesting,” Amos admitted. “It will be desert on my right and a bunch of very fast trucks to my left. But at least it’s flat. I wanted to get the hill done on the first day.”
To combat the physical toll, he will be accompanied by a medical team from health group M42, including physiotherapists and doctors.
His team will provide crucial treatment, including acupuncture and taping techniques, to help him manage muscle fatigue and potential injuries.
A High-Calorie Diet to Sustain the Challenge
To maintain his energy levels throughout the six-day run, Amos plans to consume a staggering 8,000 calories daily. His unconventional meal plan includes baby food pouches, carb-heavy waffles, energy sweets, chocolate, and jam sandwiches.
“My secret weapon is Ella’s Kitchen baby food, which comes in squeezy packs,” he revealed. “Each pack has about 100 calories, and you can eat an entire one in just three or four gulps. The number one rule is that your mouth is always moving.”
He will also fuel up with potato salad, pasta, and tuna niçoise packs. Sponsored by Spinneys, his diet is designed to keep him going even when he has no appetite. “Most of the time, I don’t feel hungry while running—I’m just force-feeding myself to keep moving,” he admitted.
Community Support and World Record Aspirations
Beyond personal achievement, Amos hopes to inspire others by inviting UAE residents to join him at different legs of the journey. “Just like in the movie Forrest Gump, I’d love to have a trail of friends, family, and supporters with me on the road,” he said.
If successful, Amos will not only set a Guinness World Record but also shed light on the growing impact of diabetes, a prevalent health concern in the UAE and globally. His journey is being closely followed by fitness enthusiasts and health advocates alike, as he prepares to push his body and mind to the ultimate test.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members