A Dubai-based athlete is preparing to take on a 2,100km endurance challenge in an effort to set a new world record while raising awareness and support for rescue dogs through a long-distance charity run.
Dubai Athlete Aims to Break World Record With 2,100km Charity Run for Rescue Dogs.
Dubai Endurance Athlete Takes on Historic Sand Marathon Challenge to Help Rescue Dogs
A Dubai-based endurance athlete is preparing to push the limits of human stamina in an extraordinary attempt to rewrite the record books, while simultaneously shining a spotlight on the growing animal welfare crisis in the UAE. Over the next 50 days, the runner plans to complete a punishing challenge: running the equivalent of 50 full marathons—one every day—entirely on sand, covering a total distance of approximately 2,100 kilometres.
If successful, the feat would earn a new Guinness World Record and mark one of the most physically demanding endurance challenges ever attempted in the region. But for the man behind the mission, the goal extends far beyond athletic achievement. At its heart, the challenge is a fundraising and awareness campaign aimed at supporting rescued dogs and the organisations working tirelessly to protect them.
The challenge will begin on January 10 near Townsquare, with daily runs taking place in sandy terrain under strict verification conditions laid out by Guinness World Records. Each marathon must be completed in a single day, on sand, without dividing the distance into segments spread across different times or locations.
A Life-Changing Decision
The man attempting the record is Mark Telford, a 43-year-old British endurance runner who relocated to Dubai last year. His move to the UAE marked a turning point not just geographically, but personally and professionally.
Until recently, Telford worked in the oil and gas sector, a career he describes as demanding and incompatible with the level of training required for an undertaking of this scale. In preparation for the challenge, he made the decision to step away from his job entirely, choosing instead to dedicate himself fully to months of intensive training, recovery planning, and logistical coordination.
“This isn’t something you can do on the side,” Telford explained. “I knew that if I was serious about giving this attempt a real chance, I needed to commit completely—physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
He describes the upcoming challenge as the toughest of his career, significantly more demanding than anything he has previously attempted.
From Treadmill to Desert
Telford is no stranger to record-setting endurance feats. In 2025, he successfully completed 125 consecutive half marathons on a treadmill, securing a Guinness World Record and proving his ability to endure repetitive physical strain over extended periods.
However, he is quick to note that the upcoming challenge represents an entirely different level of difficulty.
“Running on sand changes everything,” he said. “It’s unstable, it absorbs energy, and it puts enormous strain on muscles, joints, and tendons. Every step costs more.”
Unlike running on roads or treadmills, sand forces the body to work harder to maintain balance and forward momentum. The surface increases impact on calves, ankles, knees, and hips, while also accelerating fatigue. Completing one marathon on sand is considered extremely challenging; doing it 50 days in a row elevates the difficulty exponentially.
Telford acknowledges that success will depend as much on recovery and injury prevention as on endurance. Daily physiotherapy, stretching, nutrition, hydration, and sleep will be as important as the running itself.
“This isn’t just about fitness,” he said. “It’s about discipline, planning, and mental resilience.”
Guinness Rules and Relentless Scrutiny
As with all Guinness World Record attempts, the challenge must meet strict verification standards. Each marathon must be independently witnessed and documented to ensure full compliance with Guinness guidelines.
Because of the length of each daily run—typically lasting several hours—Telford is required to have four independent witnesses per day. Each witness can observe for a maximum of four hours, meaning the run has been divided into two observation windows each morning.
The first shift runs from 6:30am to 9:00am, followed by a second from 9:00am to 11:30am. If any witness fails to appear or if documentation is incomplete, the entire record attempt could be invalidated.
“There’s no margin for error,” Telford said. “You could complete all 50 marathons perfectly, but if one day isn’t properly witnessed, the record doesn’t count.”
This stringent requirement has prompted an appeal to the wider community. Volunteers are being asked to register as witnesses, not only to fill scheduled slots but also to serve as backups in case of last-minute cancellations.
“I might be the one running,” Telford said, “but this is absolutely a community effort. Without people stepping up to help, the record simply can’t happen.”
Running for Those Without a Voice
Beyond the athletic challenge, the motivation behind the run is deeply personal. Telford has chosen to dedicate the entire effort to supporting Stray Dogs Center UAE, a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes abandoned dogs across the country.
The shelter currently cares for more than 1,700 rescued dogs, many of whom require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Like many animal welfare organisations, it relies entirely on donations and volunteer support to operate.
“I love dogs,” Telford said simply. “And I see the constant struggle that rescue organisations face—especially as costs rise and donations fall. I wanted to use something difficult, something that really tests me, to help animals that have no way to help themselves.”
The timing of the campaign is particularly critical. According to the shelter, the number of stray and abandoned dogs continues to rise, while public donations have declined amid broader economic pressures.
The Reality of Rescue Work
Dr Amirah Williams, founder of Stray Dogs Center UAE, said the campaign comes at a crucial moment for the organisation.
“We are caring for more than 1,600 dogs every single day,” she said. “That means food, shelter, medical care, emergency surgeries, vaccinations, and constant maintenance. It never stops.”
She explained that donations are used not only for the shelter’s main facilities, but also to support dogs placed in foster homes and partner boarding facilities across Dubai. Veterinary bills alone can reach staggering amounts, particularly for injured or chronically ill animals.
“Mark is doing the running,” Dr Williams said, “but the community is the engine behind this. Whether someone donates Dh50 or gives 2.5 hours of their time as a witness, they are directly contributing to saving lives.”
A Campaign Built on Participation
Public involvement is a central pillar of the initiative. Members of the community can support the challenge in two main ways: by volunteering as official Guinness witnesses or by sponsoring the run financially.
Witnesses commit to a 2.5-hour morning shift, helping ensure the integrity of the record attempt. Sponsorship options range from individual contributions starting at Dh50 to corporate packages beginning at Dh2,500. Importantly, 100 per cent of funds raised go directly to Stray Dogs Center UAE.
Telford hopes the campaign will also spark broader conversations about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in the region.
“This isn’t just about one challenge,” he said. “It’s about awareness, education, and reminding people that these organisations need consistent support—not just during emergencies.”
Mental Fortitude Over 50 Days
Completing 50 consecutive marathons is as much a psychological test as a physical one. Telford acknowledges that motivation will inevitably fluctuate over the course of the challenge, particularly as fatigue accumulates and minor injuries threaten to escalate.
“There will be days when everything hurts,” he said. “Days when you wake up sore, tired, and wondering how you’re going to do it again.”
On those days, he says, remembering the purpose behind the run will be essential.
“When you’re running for something bigger than yourself, it changes how you deal with pain,” he said. “I can stop anytime. The dogs can’t.”
A Broader Message
While the Guinness World Record provides a clear goal and structure, Telford hopes the impact of the challenge will extend well beyond the final marathon.
He wants to demonstrate what is possible when personal ambition is aligned with social good, and to encourage others—athletes or not—to use their skills and passions to support causes they care about.
“You don’t need to run marathons to make a difference,” he said. “Everyone has something they can offer. Time, money, skills, attention—it all matters.”
Looking Ahead
As January 10 approaches, final preparations are underway. Training has tapered, logistics are being finalised, and volunteer rosters are filling up. Once the first marathon begins, there will be no rest days, no postponements, and no shortcuts.
For 50 consecutive mornings, Telford will step onto sand and begin again, one marathon at a time.
Whether or not the record ultimately stands, the challenge is already achieving its most important goal: bringing people together around a shared mission to protect animals that depend entirely on human kindness.
For those watching from the sidelines—or walking alongside as witnesses—the message is clear: endurance takes many forms, and compassion may be the strongest of them all.
