From Dishwasher to Marathon Champion: Hamza Masmoudi’s Inspirational Journey

Masmoudi took up a job as a dishwasher in a restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah, struggling to make ends meet. Fast forward to 2024, and Hamza is now a globe-trotting athlete, an ultramarathon runner, and a rising name in the world of extreme sports

Dubai, UAE – When Hamza Masmoudi first set foot in the UAE in 2019, he was a 22-year-old with no knowledge of English and little formal education.

He took up a job as a dishwasher in a restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah, struggling to make ends meet. Fast forward to 2024, and Hamza is now a globe-trotting athlete, an ultramarathon runner, and a rising name in the world of extreme sports.

Advertisement

Last Friday, he completed the 42-kilometer Doha Marathon in an impressive time of 3 hours and 13 minutes. Despite only taking up running two years ago, Hamza has quickly carved out a name for himself in endurance sports.

“I started running only two years ago,” Hamza shared with Khaleej Times. “By 2023, I shifted to long-distance running. I always aim to challenge my limits—I even ran five marathons in one month. Now, I’m sponsored by New Balance, giving me opportunities I could never dream of. I will be travelling to many countries to compete in marathons and sporting events in 2025.”

A Journey of Determination and Resilience

Hamza’s endurance feats are extraordinary. In March 2023, he ran 80 kilometers barefoot. In July, he endured a grueling 90-kilometer run in 45°C heat, followed by completing the world’s hottest marathon in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, in August.

His transformation, however, began in the kitchen. Working long hours as a dishwasher, he observed the chefs closely. One day, amid a particularly hectic shift, he stepped in to assist the overwhelmed kitchen staff.

“I offered to make a dish myself and told the chef to send it out only if he was satisfied,” Hamza recalled. “He was impressed and promoted me to cook the very next day.”

For two years, Hamza worked as a cook but felt an unshakable desire to pursue his passion for sports. In 2021, he left his job and moved to Dubai, determined to forge a new path. However, life in Dubai was challenging—at one point, he didn’t even have a permanent place to stay.

Advertisement

From Struggles to Success

Without the means to afford a gym membership, Hamza trained in public parks, practicing parkour and bodyweight exercises.

One day, a passerby was so impressed by his workout routine that he asked Hamza to train him. With the money he earned from that first client, he secured a place to stay and kick-started his career as a personal trainer.

His reputation grew rapidly, and at one point, he was training over 20 clients. However, he soon realized that balancing personal training with his own fitness goals was unsustainable. “Now, I work with just five clients and dedicate the rest of my time to my training,” he said.

Hamza’s rigorous routine includes stretching for four hours daily, ice baths, and sauna sessions to prevent injuries. His dedication has earned him recognition not just in the UAE but also back home in Morocco.

“Last summer, when I visited, one of the biggest TV channels invited me for an interview,” he said. “Watching that episode with my family and neighbors was an unforgettable moment.”

Looking Ahead

As Hamza prepares for an ambitious year of international competitions in 2025, he is also working on a home workout app in collaboration with a former client. His goal? To inspire others to push their limits just as he has.

“I believe fitness can change lives,” he said. “If I can do it, anyone can.”

 

admin

Read More

Dominica: PM Roosevelt Skerrit announces ‘Digital Transformation Roadshow 2023’ to commence on 30 March

Dominica: The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, has recently shared an update regarding the commencement of the Digital Transformation Roadshow 2023

Dubai: Fire emerges after loud blast, windows nearly fell-off

On Thursday, the Emirati officials said that a “small fire” was extinguished by the Dubai emergency services after there were reports about a loud...

Saudi to sponsor International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture

Saudi Arabia has been chosen as the sponsor for the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture...

Recent

PM Drew meets Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, highlights relations between nations

Dr. Terrance Drew, the Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis and  Adel Al Jubier, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs met on Wednesday. Citing the "fruitful discussion," he highlighted the close diplomatic relations between the two nations.

New Barbie movie to release in UAE on August 31, sources confirmed

The Media Council of the United Arab Emirates announced the release date of the new Barbie movie in UAW. The film will be released on Thursday, August 31, 2023. 

St Kitts and Nevis: PM Terrance Drew pays tribute to Late Comrade C.F Bryant in Wreath Laying Ceremony

 Dr Terrance Drew – The Prime Minister of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, has participated in the Wreath Laying Ceremony held yesterday, 30 April 2023, at 2:30 pm on the sidelines of the ongoing Labour Day Weekend Celebrations, 2023 in the country.
admin