Ahmad Al Janahi becomes first Emirati to complete gruelling 174km UTMB race

When Ahmad Al Janahi arrived in Chamonix, he knew the challenge ahead would demand more than physical strength.

The Emirati ultra-runner had spent two years preparing for one of the toughest endurance challenges of his career: the 174-kilometre UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix around Mont Blanc.

The 174km UTMB World Series Finals race began on Aug.24 and ended on Aug.30 in Chamonix, France.

It covered a gruelling 174-kilometer loop with 9,700m+ of elevation gain across France, Italy, and Switzerland.

After 37 hours and 50 minutes of running, Janahi reached the finish line and became the first Emirati to complete the race, marking a significant moment for UAE endurance sport.

The race took him through demanding mountain terrain across France, Italy and Switzerland. It was a test of endurance, concentration and determination, with runners facing steep climbs, changing conditions and the effects of prolonged exertion. The start was delayed by two hours because of a thunderstorm, adding another complication to an already demanding race.

 For Janahi, the most difficult part came after about 16 hours. While climbing from Italy towards Switzerland, he began suffering from severe stomach pain and extreme fatigue. He had also gone without sleep. At that stage, finishing the race appeared uncertain.

He contacted his coach, Ole Brom, and was advised to focus on reaching the next checkpoint. Once there, he ate and reassessed his condition before continuing. That decision allowed him to move forward, one section at a time, despite the physical strain.

Al Janahi's preparation had included overnight mountain training in Ras Al Khaimah, designed to prepare him for the long periods of darkness and sleep deprivation that come with an ultra-endurance race of this scale. That preparation became especially important as the hours accumulated in Chamonix.

As the race progressed, the mountains continued to test him, but he remained on the course. After almost 38 hours without sleep, he eventually approached the finish in Chamonix.

Near the end, Sheikh Omar Bin Saqr Al Qasimi joined him for part of the final stretch. For the last 200 metres, Janahi continued towards the finish carrying the UAE flag.

Then, after 37 hours and 50 minutes, it was done.

The achievement was another milestone in a career built around extraordinary endurance challenges. Janahi had previously undertaken a 620-kilometre run across the UAE, travelling from the Saudi border to Fujairah in 6 days, 21 hours and 47 minutes.

His earlier endurance challenges also included a 114-kilometre trail run in the Hajar Mountains in 2024, completed in just over 23 hours.

The Chamonix finish therefore represented more than one difficult race. It was the latest chapter in a series of challenges that have taken Al Janahi far beyond conventional marathon distances.

For nearly 38 hours, the goal had been simple: keep moving.

Through exhaustion, pain, darkness and uncertainty, Janahi continued until the UAE flag crossed the finish line with him.

And with that final step, he became the first Emirati to complete the UTMB World Series Finals.