Endurance athlete Dexter Ali is set to undertake one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most demanding solo runs, the ‘Sea-to-Sea’ challenge, starting from the Sea Wall in Galeota and concluding at Teteron Barracks in Chaguaramas. The 55-year-old businessman and multi-sport competitor will cover approximately 80 miles (130km) — equivalent to more than three marathon distances — in a test of physical and mental stamina. The run, which began on November 1, is expected to conclude the following day. Ali’s coach, Derrick Simon, described the endeavor as a ‘personal challenge’ inspired by Ali’s recent birthday. Ali, who trains with Simon’s Pace Performance Factory, has spent months preparing for this grueling feat. His training regimen included multiple long-distance runs around the Queen’s Park Savannah, sometimes completing 24 laps (57.2 miles) in a single session. Simon, a national middle- and long-distance coach, noted that Ali’s training plan required innovative thinking due to its unique demands. The preparation also focused on hydration, fatigue management, and sleep deprivation, with Ali often running double sessions to simulate the challenges of the event. To ensure success, Simon and Ali drove the entire route to strategize terrain navigation. While Ali will run solo, he will receive intermittent support from fellow runners, a vehicle crew, family members, and a police escort. Simon emphasized that Ali’s safety remains a priority, and the attempt will be halted if his well-being is compromised. This monumental effort is not only a personal achievement for Ali but also a significant milestone for Caribbean endurance sports.
