Carrying Bahrain’s Spirit Across Continents: An Expat’s Running Journey

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

What started as a simple jog in November 2014, guided by friends and Bahraini mentors, soon turned into a life-changing passion for Indian expat Himanshu Patel, who is now preparing to leave the country he has called home for nearly 22 years.

Arriving in December 2003, Himanshu recalls his early days in Bahrain as a period of professional growth and personal discovery. Over the years, he advanced into the role of Regional Retail Sales Manager and Quality Control at Optica WLL, while discovering that the Kingdom would also become the launchpad for a passion that would take him across continents.

“I never ran as a child,” he admits, speaking to The Daily Tribune.

Short distances

Friends and mentors in Bahrain introduced him to running, beginning with short distances.

“Slowly, it became something I loved deeply,” he confesses. Since then, his running journey has taken him across the globe and completing Ironman races twice. His dedication led him to compete in some of the world’s most prestigious marathons, including Mumbai, Chicago, New York, and Berlin, representing, in his own words, “the spirit of Bahrain” at every step.

Flags

“I carry both flags, of India, my home country, and that of Bahrain as a token of gratitude,” he says. “This is my way of thanking a country that gave me so much.”

Bahrain, he explains, is an ideal running haven. “It’s safe, and the weather is amazing from October to March, the perfect season for outdoor sports.”

Among his favorite local running spots are Al Ghouse Park, Zallaq, and Arad Corniche, though he cherishes the sense of community most at Awali Bapco Club’s weekend runs, where locals and expats alike share runs, conversations, and snacks. He also became an international long-distance running coach in July, focusing on motivating athletes to take up the sport, build consistency, and enhance their performance.

Philosophy

His coaching philosophy centres on a simple idea: start where you are, stay committed, and enjoy the process. Despite his achievements, Patel remains modest about the challenges of entering international races, often describing the selection process as akin to winning a lottery. He acknowledges he isn’t among the fastest runners, yet considers himself fortunate to have secured spots in several major events.

Ambitions

His ambitions continue to grow, with Sydney and Cape Town next on his list, marathons that will further build on the global races that have already tested his endurance and determination. As he prepares to leave, the thought of where he will run next weighs on him. “Bahrain is special. The community, the safety, the support - you can’t replace that easily.” Yet, he promises to return, especially for the Seef Marathon in January, drawn by the crowd, the camaraderie, and the weather.