Dubai, UAE – December 2025:
Renowned endurance athlete Evren Ozka has achieved one of the Gulf’s most formidable ultra-endurance feats, breaking three national running records across Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE—all within a single month—while raising funds for Dubai Cares to support global education initiatives.

Evren’s transformation from an overweight smoker and occasional drinker, who once struggled to run even a kilometre, into a record-breaking endurance athlete, is a story of resilience, discipline, and relentless determination. His journey has seen him push boundaries, setting previous records and now achieving his most ambitious milestone yet: conquering three nations in one month.

Record-Breaking Feats as Confirmed by FTK:

• Qatar: ~192 km in 26 hours 30 minutes

• Bahrain: ~68.5 km in 11 hours 26 minutes

• UAE: ~630 km in 5 days, 11 hours, 19 minutes — surpassing his own previous UAE record by 11 hours 39 minutes

Covering nearly 900 km in just 30 days, Evren faced extreme fatigue, unpredictable conditions, and long periods of solitude. Support from fellow athletes, however, proved invaluable. In Qatar, fellow PUMA athlete Coach Biha joined segments of the route; in Bahrain, Bahrain Warriors provided rotating support; and in the UAE, members of the LFG community, alongside athletes such as Yasmine Elhamouly, Ahmed Sam, and Noura Khalaf, ran critical segments to motivate him through challenging stretches.

Evren’s dedicated core team accompanied him throughout the journey, helping him maintain pace, recover efficiently, and overcome physical and mental barriers. This collaborative effort turned what could have been a solitary challenge into a shared story of determination and trust.

The UAE crossing, culminating on UAE National Day, held special significance for Evren, who has called the country home for several years. The achievement became not only a personal triumph but also a symbolic celebration of national pride and unity.

Throughout his journey, Evren relied on the newly launched PUMA MAGMAX 2, available across GCC retail stores and online. Engineered for everyday running and long-distance performance, its responsive midsole and high-cushion heel provided critical support during the grueling multi-country challenge, proving to be a literal record-breaking shoe.

“For me, this wasn’t just about running across countries or breaking records,” Evren said. “It was about proving who I’ve become. A few years ago, I couldn’t run a kilometre. To finish almost 900 km in one month across three nations, and to do it for a cause like Dubai Cares, means more than a record. The people who joined me, even for a few kilometres, and my team who stayed with me through every border became part of this story. I kept the mentality that every step, every doubt, and every wall I faced was mine to overcome, and I never stopped pushing forward until I made it.”

Evren’s remarkable achievement highlights both his personal evolution and the growing endurance running culture in the Middle East. By setting an unprecedented benchmark in regional ultra-endurance sport, he continues to inspire transformation, discipline, and purposeful living.