Nigesh Kotoor Padikkal, a Dubai resident, couldn’t afford flowers for his wife’s birthday this year. Instead, he decided to attempt something extraordinary, a Guinness World Record for the fastest crossing of the UAE on foot.
Earlier this year, he accomplished this heartfelt gift, running across the seven emirates in 5 days, 15 hours, and 53 minutes. This achievement broke the earlier record of 5 days, 22 hours, and 53 minutes set in March by Evren Ozka. While awaiting official confirmation, Padikkal says this victory is a shared milestone with his wife, Samrin.
Turning Struggles into Motivation
Padikkal, who lost his job as a fitness coach in 2020, shared how this challenge became his lifeline after struggling financially. “My wife has carried our family’s financial burden for years. Not being able to afford even a flower for her birthday felt devastating,” he said.
Despite not knowing about others breaking the record, Padikkal was determined to achieve his goal, pushing himself to complete the run in record time.
The First Attempt
Last year, the 38-year-old began running with free city clubs. In February, he made his first attempt to cross the UAE without proper training or preparation. Accompanied by his wife, they carried only basic supplies like instant noodles and water.
“We underestimated the challenge and ran out of food. At one point, we were stranded in a remote area with no petrol station nearby,” he recalled.
After running for 4.5 days and covering 450km, Padikkal had to stop due to extreme exhaustion. His wife, who supported him throughout, described the moment as a tough but motivating experience. “We promised to come back stronger,” she said.
Training and Preparation
Padikkal resumed training in November, switching to a high-protein diet to fuel his runs. On weekends, he joined trail runs, and during special occasions, he completed commemorative runs. Meanwhile, Samrin worked tirelessly to secure sponsorships for running gear and supplies.
Fellow runners helped map the route, starting from the Al Batha border and ending in Dibba.
The Record-Breaking Run
On November 23, the couple set out again, this time better equipped. Their car carried food, a cooler, a mattress, and a foot tub for breaks. However, the challenge was still grueling.
Padikkal covered 130km on the first day and 120km on the second. By the third day, he battled severe pain and swollen feet, even running barefoot at one point. His wife managed his injuries while truck drivers generously shared food.
Community runners soon joined in, providing supplies and moral support. “Their encouragement kept me going. In those painful moments, I thought of my wife and mother, which gave me strength,” Padikkal shared.
A Victory for Love and Community
Padikkal credits his wife and the running community for his success. “This wouldn’t have been possible without their belief and support,” he said.
Samrin echoed his sentiments: “This journey shows how powerful a community can be. Together, we can achieve extraordinary things.”
As they finalize the data for official recognition, the couple celebrates a story of love, determination, and the strength of togetherness.
