While most participants in the Dubai Marathon on January 12 ran in broad daylight, Ramy Naouss, a Lebanese expat residing in Dubai, took on a different kind of challenge. He completed the 42.2 km marathon while blindfolded and barefoot, setting a Guinness World Record for running the fastest marathon blindfolded.
A Moment of Triumph
As Naouss crossed the finish line, tears filled his eyes as he removed the blindfold, which had been tightly secured with tape. “I’m still trying to put into words how I felt. If someone asked me how it feels to see God for a minute, I would say this is how it felt,” said the 33-year-old athlete.
Naouss, who has been living in Dubai for the past seven years, achieved the remarkable feat with little prior training, relying on his belief in his idea and his inner strength. The journey to completing the marathon was not just about setting a world record, but also about sending a powerful message.
The Message Behind the Challenge
The idea of running blindfolded and barefoot came from Naouss’s desire to highlight the concept that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how dark life may seem. "Running barefoot is like life. Life is not always easy, but you have to feel pain and keep pushing forward," he explained.
As a cancer survivor, Naouss used this challenge to symbolize overcoming darkness and finding strength in adversity. Diagnosed with blood cancer at the age of 25, he fought through chronic pain and challenging treatments before finding his own path to healing.
The Journey to Self-Healing
Ramy’s journey was not easy. After overcoming cancer, he faced chronic back and knee pain, which made fitness a challenge. However, two years ago, he decided to run barefoot, despite the pain. “It was painful at first, but I got comfortable in the uncomfortable,” he said.
Ramy’s decision to stop all ongoing medical treatments, which doctors said would be needed for the rest of his life, was a turning point. He focused on understanding his body and mind, healing through spirituality and self-awareness. When his tests returned clear just before the marathon, proving that his decision was sound, he felt a renewed sense of light and purpose in his life.
Encouraging Others
In addition to his athletic feats, Naouss is also an author and motivational figure. His book, "Let's Live: Challenging Yourself is the Way", shares his life experiences, offering practical advice for people looking to overcome challenges and improve themselves. Naouss often speaks out against the pressure many people feel when comparing themselves to others, especially in the age of social media.
He encourages his followers to take small steps every day, saying, “It’s okay to feel like you’re not doing enough. I’ve been there. The important thing is that you keep going and believe in the process.”
For Naouss, running was a way to prove to himself that small daily improvements can lead to long-term success. "I feel more accomplished if I run a bit better every day," he shared.
A Symbol of Hope and Strength
Ramy Naouss’s blindfolded, barefoot marathon serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how dark or difficult life may seem, with resilience and determination, we can find the light at the end of the tunnel. His journey is an inspiring testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of believing in oneself.
