Doha: On February 10, the Desert Roses made history as the first women to circumnavigate Qatar on foot. The team, composed of Stephanie Innes-Smith, Isobel Bushell, Heather Lee, and Ross Ayuro, took on the challenge in order to raise the profile of female sporting competence in the country as well as to inspire women across age groups to engage in arduous activities.
The expedition began early morning on February 5 at Corniche with an initial plan to complete a 500 kilometre distance within five days. Right off the bat, the group received overwhelming support from various sporting communities and bystanders who cheered them on as they walked, jogged, and ran around the country.
However, the journey hasn't been easy since Day 1. Due to multiple injuries acquired since the first day, the team had to modify its original route and mileage by stretching the five-day journey into six.
"Whilst we all believe that much of what we can achieve is within our minds, there is a point at which you have to listen to your body and respond to its needs," Desert Roses team leader Stephanie told The Peninsula.
Having already met with obstacles on the first day, the second and third day was particularly difficult due to unseasonable hot weather conditions. Injuries, including varying degrees of blisters and stress fractures or joint-related problems such as extreme swelling, also took a toll on the Desert Roses. Their mental energy was tested as well when they had to determine the best way to approach these difficulties while preserving team work.
Despite this, the team pressed on with a more suitable plan and ended up completing a 428 kilometre distance within six days. Although their frustration is evident in not completing the original mileage, they also highlighted the success in achieving the main purpose of the challenge.
"To see how much support and inspiration we were able to offer regardless of these setbacks, and to acknowledge that we still did achieve a huge milestone and get our message out to the community, was very rewarding," Heather stated.
"For us, I feel it was more about the message that we conveyed and the people who we inspired by our journey than the physical undertaking. Although we fell short of our original goal, to travel 500km in 5 days, I know that we gave our best efforts given the circumstances. I am extremely proud of what we achieved," Isobel added.
The team also mentioned that the support and encouragement from the community served as a huge factor in completing the challenge. During the six-day journey, the team was provided with basic necessities from various sports communities who assisted them along the way. Encouragements through social media also helped boost the team, mentally.
Apart from inspiring women to engage in sports, the Desert Roses also aims to encourage exploring around the country beyond its capital city. As they travelled around Qatar, the team also marveled on the wonders outside of Doha.
"There is more to discover outside the capital. The diverse views of coastlines, landscapes of dunes, amazing ridges, crystal clear waters and warm welcoming locals," Ross pointed out.
Different spots suitable for trail run and mountain bike for sports enthusiasts were also seen along the team's course.
Looking forward after achieving a milestone, they revealed that the Desert Roses does not have any adventures planned yet. However, Stephanie is thinking of her next all-female project which can potentially seek participation from 50 women to complete a 10-kilometre section of the Desert Roses' original 500-kilometre route.
The rest of the team also shared their individual plans to pursue running in the country as well as participating in other sports events.
When asked about a few key takeaways from the journey, the team emphasized on the importance of choosing the right type of support when embarking on a similar adventure. The team also pointed out the value of working as a team - most importantly during intense circumstances.
READ MORE: Four women set to make history by travelling around Qatar on foot
The Desert Roses, composed of four women expat ultra-runners, did not only make history but also inspired more women to engage in sports. Every obstacle that the team has overcome serves as a testament to its teamwork and aspiration in pursuing a common goal.
"We are happy that our trip attracted enough attention to bring the idea of ultra-running into the homes and minds of many women around Qatar and further afield," Stephanie told The Peninsula.
"To see a group of women not only taking on an extreme physical feat, but working as a team and supporting each other, overcoming obstacles, dealing with unforeseen circumstances, and ultimately making the best decisions to support the team as a whole, is what I hope we can really show to other women," Heather concluded.
