Running across Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE,the PUMA athlete sets new records while marking UAE National Day with a historic finish
Entrepreneur and PUMA athlete Evren Ozka has completed one of the Gulf’s most demanding ultra endurance challenges, breaking three national running records across Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE all within a single month while raising funds for Dubai Cares to support education for children around the world.
Evren’s journey from an overweight smoker and drinker who once struggled to run a single kilometre to a record-breaking endurance athlete defines his story of transformation. His discipline, resilience, and relentless mindset have propelled him through increasingly ambitious challenges including breaking the world record for running across the UAE once and now for the second time. This three country feat represents his most significant
Across nearly 900 km in one month, Evren faced extreme fatigue, fluctuating conditions, and long periods of isolation. Every kilometre was his alone to conquer, yet moments of support became essential.
In Qatar, fellow PUMA athlete Coach Biha joined segments of his route. In Bahrain, members of the Bahrain Warriors rotated alongside him to sustain energy and constant motivation. In the UAE, runners from the LFG community, fellow athletes, and PUMA Middle East members joined at key segments including the first kilometres. Some of the athletes that joined him included Yasmine Elhamouly, Ahmed Sam and Noura Khalaf, who ran with him at the UAE start giving him just the right encouragement during the toughest hours.
Evren’s core team traveled with him across all three countries, ensuring he could maintain pace, recover, and keep moving despite minimal rest. His team helped transform a solitary challenge into a shared journey defined by trust, resilience, and determination.
The UAE crossing, which concluded on UAE National Day, held special significance for Evren, who has called the country home for the past few years. The finish aligned with a national moment of pride and unity, making the final record not only a personal triumph but also a symbolic celebration of the UAE.
Throughout the attempt, Evren wore the newly launched PUMA MAGMAX 2 which is now available at PUMA GCC retail stores and online, a shoe built for everyday running as well as long-distance performance. Its responsive midsole and high cushion heel provided reliable support throughout the grueling journey and proved by Evren to be a literal record breaking shoe.
“For me, this wasn’t just about running across countries or breaking records,” Evren said. “It was about proving who I’ve become. A few years ago, I couldn’t run a kilometre. To finish almost 900 km in one month across three nations and to do it for a cause like Dubai Cares, means more than a record. It’s proof that anyone can rewrite their life if they start and push. The people who joined me, even for a few kilometres, and my team who stayed with me through every border became part of this story. I kept the mentality that every step, every doubt, and every wall I faced was mine to overcome, and I never stopped pushing forward until I made it”.
Evren continues to use his challenges to inspire change, discipline, and purpose. This unprecedented three-country accomplishment sets a new benchmark in regional endurance sport, highlighting both his personal evolution and the growing spirit of Middle East’s running culture.
