16 July 2024

50 km, with some 2,000 m ascent, in the beautiful natural reserve of Arz Barouk. On paper, it looked doable—a big stretch, but not impossible. Though I had many afterthoughts, the training process was underway, with its ups and downs. Then, race day arrived.

At the beginning, I stayed at the back of the pack. It was way too early for me, and cold. I trotted along, walking up the hills, trying to warm up and wake up. Walking lent itself to engaging with fellow runners. So, in the early hours, I met Dana Matar. She started telling me about her life as an ultra-runner. I didn’t know who she was, but as we passed other runners, everyone greeted her, asking her how she was. Then, at the first aid station, as I turned around, she was gone, never to be seen again. She ended up winning the race.

After a very difficult 8 hours and 49 minutes, I finally crossed the finish line, still wondering why I got myself into this race. Happy, or more precisely relieved. At the award ceremony, I saw Dana again, all smiles and satisfied with her performance. The idea to interview her came at that moment. Why would someone go through such experiences and make a living out of it? This was going to be a fascinating conversation.

From childhood up to my early thirties, my life revolved around sports as a professional and athlete. For instance, I participated in World Championships in snowboarding and windsurfing. So, to include the subject of sports in the Table For Two podcast comes naturally. Athletes are fascinating examples of how purpose becomes life.

Enjoy the conversation.

Dana Matar

Co-Founder Peaks Sports

Born and raised in Lebanon, Dana is a mom of two, an interior architect, an ultra-runner, a sports enthusiast and an entrepreneur who has made the UAE home for the past 13 years. Her passion for the outdoors started at a young age when she joined the local scouts community in Mount Lebanon back in 1997. After moving to the UAE, Dana embarked on her ultra-running journey exploring the beautiful and rugged terrains of the Emirates. She then went on to participate and compete in ultra-trail races regionally and internationally which amplified her love for the sport with every experience. Following her calling and dedication for the sport, Dana took a break from the corporate world a few years back to co-found her own sports company, Peaks Sports, and she now organizes trail races full time.

Connect with Dana Matar