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Dubai runner attempts world record with 2,100km run for rescue dogs
Mark Telford aims to complete 50 consecutive marathons entirely on sand, covering distance in 50 days, to raise awareness and support for rescued dogs
A Dubai-based endurance runner is preparing to attempt a Guinness World Record by running 50 consecutive marathons entirely on sand, covering a total distance of 2,100 kilometres in 50 days, with the effort aimed at raising awareness and support for rescued dogs in the UAE.
The attempt, which follows strict verification rules set by Guinness World Records, is being run in support of Stray Dogs Center UAE, a non-profit, no-kill shelter that currently cares for more than 1,700 rescued dogs.
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Mark Telford, a 43-year-old British runner who moved to Dubai last year, will begin the challenge on January 10 near Townsquare.
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Telford said he relocated to Dubai and made the decision to quit his job in the oil and gas sector in order to train full-time for what he describes as his most demanding challenge so far.
“This one is a lot more demanding than my first record,” he said. “I wanted to give myself the best possible chance by focusing fully on training, recovery, and preparation.”
The runner previously set a Guinness World Record last year by completing 125 consecutive half marathons on a treadmill. This time, the physical demands are expected to be significantly greater.
Each marathon must be completed on sand and finished within the same day, without splitting the distance across multiple sessions.
“Running on sand requires much more energy and puts a lot more strain on the body,” Telford said, adding that recovery, rest, and mental resilience will be critical across the 50-day challenge.
Under Guinness guidelines, the record attempt must be independently verified every day. Telford explained that while most records require two witnesses, the length of his daily runs means four witnesses are needed to cover the full duration.
Witnesses can only observe for a maximum of four hours, so the run has been divided into two shifts each morning, from 6.30am to 9am and from 9am to 11.30am. A single no-show could disqualify the entire attempt.
The requirement has led to a public call for community volunteers, with Telford urging residents to step forward as backup witnesses in case of last-minute cancellations. “This is a team effort,” he said. “I may be doing the running, but without the community, the record cannot stand.”
Linking the challenge to animal welfare was a deliberate choice, Telford said. “I love dogs, and I see the constant struggle organisations like Stray Dogs Center face,” he said. “This challenge is about using something difficult to help others who cannot help themselves.”
According to Stray Dogs Center UAE, the campaign comes at a critical time, as the stray dog population continues to rise while regular donations decline.
The shelter relies entirely on public support to fund food, medical care, urgent maintenance, construction work, and critical veterinary bills. Sponsorship funds will also support dogs placed in foster and partner boarding facilities in Dubai.
“Mark is doing the running, but the community is the engine,” said Dr Amirah Williams, founder of Stray Dogs Center UAE. “Whether someone gives Dh50 or 2.5 hours of their time as a witness, they are helping protect more than 1,600 lives.”
Members of the public can support the initiative by signing up as witnesses for a 2.5-hour morning shift or by sponsoring the challenge. Individual sponsorships start from Dh50, while corporate sponsorships start from Dh2,500, with 100 per cent of funds going directly to the shelter.
Waad Barakat
Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to blend it all with unique Gen Z-inspired content.
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