The building in Muhaisnah 4 had suffered structural damage last week and has been sealed off as authorities conduct investigations
In the last 100 metres of the run, Thayyil's kids, Aysha and Alan, aged 10 and seven, respectively, ran with him as well. "The total runtime was two hours and 50 minutes. I had a support vehicle trailing behind me throughout the run," said Thayyil.
The running bug bit Thayyil in 2012. "When I was working for my old company, they had organised a team to run the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon for a 3km fun run. I felt an incredible amount of positivity and energy during that run. I decided to take up the activity."
After that, Thayyil has run the full Dubai Marathon, the Chennai Marathon in India and the Abu Dhabi Marathon. He was supposed to do the Berlin Marathon this year. However, the event was cancelled due to the pandemic.
As time progressed, he began running barefoot. "Unlike running with shoes, the mind is also very alert and aware when I am running barefoot. You need to keep a lookout for things on the street," he said.
Thayyil said he doesn't find cushioning a problem as he lands on his toes first while running barefoot. He began running up to Jebel Jais at 4.30am and completed it at 7.20am before the roads got heated. "My coach Dr Mohandas was also with me during the run; he is a professional triathlon running coach," he said.
"I dedicated the run to the frontline workers because I want to thank them for the sacrifices they have made for us. This is the only way I can show my gratitude," he added. As part of his initiative, Thayyil wants to do to a barefoot run from Dubai to Abu Dhabi as well. "When things get better, I will eventually travel to Kazakhstan for a full iron man. That is my aim for next year," he added.
The building in Muhaisnah 4 had suffered structural damage last week and has been sealed off as authorities conduct investigations
Al Ain, which knocked out Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr in the quarterfinals, reached the final for the first time since 2016
Defeat leaves Chelsea still in ninth, three points adrift of the European places
Liverpool left some key players out of their starting line-up for Sunday's 3-1 win at Fulham
Stoinis hit a match-winning unbeaten 124 for Lucknow Super Giants against Chennai Super Kings
It was Stoinis' first IPL century and his second in T20 cricket
Company’s showcase includes demonstrations of Copilot for Security
The museum to offer visitors the chance to take part in dance, yoga and work-out sessions while gazing upon paintings and sculptures