Doha: Ziyad Rahim, Head of Market Risk, Barwa Bank, has made a Guinness record for the ‘fastest time to run an ultra marathon on each continent’ by completing seven ultra-marathons on seven continents in 41 days.
He also raised awareness about two charities based Qatar and the UAE.
Ziyad improved on the record set in 1999 for completing an ultra-marathon on all seven continents in 267 days.
An ultra-marathon is longer than the standard 42.2km marathon and events usually range from 50km to 100-milers and multi-day events over varied terrain.
Khalid Yousef Al Subeai, acting Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “What Ziyad has accomplished is something most of us can only dream of. In breaking a Guinness record, he has demonstrated extreme commitment and immense physical capability, making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. We are proud to be able to congratulate him on his return.”
Ziyad said, “I’m delighted to break this record which was unbelievably tough physically and mentally.
“Being able to pursue my passion for long-distance running and raise money and awareness for charity is extremely fulfilling.”
Every ultra-marathon was accompanied by challenges. In Antarctica, Ziyad ran a hilly course that had a combination of snow, ice, gravel and mud, while the South American ultra-marathon in Chile was accompanied by strong winds of over 60kmph.
For the final leg in South Africa, he completed the Louis Massyn Ultra on March 8 to break the record.
Ziyad collaborated with Pakistan Welfare Forum, a Qatar-based charity that provides education and treatment for life- threatening diseases and financial assistance for poor families in Qatar.
He also raised awareness about the UAE-based charity, Maria Cristina Foundation that provides education and medical assistance to underprivileged children in slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The Peninsula
