Lee Ryan, a Dubai-based educator and sports manager at the Cognita Middle East group of schools, completed a unique challenge last week as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), running 30km at each of six schools in a bid to inspire students to embrace physical activity.
Ryan, who is also the manager of the Enrich Me program, ran for four hours each day from November 11 to 15, beginning his runs at 6am. His challenge not only aimed to motivate students to engage in outdoor sports but also raised awareness for the Sparkle Foundation, which helps children in Malawi access education.
“It has been an incredible experience running at various schools and meeting the students,” Ryan told Khaleej Times. “When I tell them I’m running 30km, they don’t always understand. So, I explain that it’s about 30 times around their sports field, and they are always amazed.”
Throughout his runs, Ryan was met with enthusiastic support from students, who cheered him on, handed him water, and some even joined him for short stretches. “I just wanted them to see what I was doing, think about it, and hopefully go home and try running a few kilometres themselves,” he said.
The goal of his challenge was to encourage kids to put down their gadgets and get outdoors. “I’m a father of two, and I understand how much technology influences children today,” Ryan explained. “I want students to experience the benefits of sports and outdoor activities, which are vital for their development.”
Ryan’s 30km runs took him across six Cognita schools in Dubai, with one particularly challenging day on November 14, when he ran a total of 60km across two schools. In the morning, he ran at Repton Al Barsha, where over 1,000 students came out to support him. That afternoon, he continued his run at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, where families joined in for the school’s glow run event.
This isn’t the first time Ryan has taken on a physical challenge. A five-time Guinness World Record holder, he previously completed 40 marathons in 40 days to raise funds for the Sparkle Foundation. With multiple records under his belt—including for the most burpees in 24 hours and the fastest marathon pushing a double stroller—Ryan is now aiming for his sixth world record this year.
