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Fitness fanatic Amal Salem Almalood recently ran and completed three virtual Spartan races in a bid to raise awareness about autism.
The 2020 Spartan Arabia band ambassador has been participating and conquering various obstacle courses and races over the past two years to spread the message of hope, explaining autism and sharing her autistic son Khalid’s story.
“Sport is very important to me and close to my heart as it is the best way to share Khalid’s story, get people interested in learning about autism and it’s also a good way for Khalid to mingle with others,” said Almalood, 39, who is a civilian in the Ministry of Interior. “My son was diagnosed at the age of four after we took him to get checked in Jordan. While he had faced many challenges, together, we overcame them. My family and friends also supported us and they do so until today.
“Having always been interested in running and athletic activities, I decided to use that as a way to show people that nothing is impossible if you have the will and dedication. My son and all differently-abled children are a blessing. My message to them and their parents, you can do anything that you put your mind to. For Khalid and I, sport was our happiness. It reduced stress and was the best way to raise awareness about autism.”
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder featuring a broad range of conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication. The reason it is called a spectrum disorder is because each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges.
“At the beginning I didn’t know how to share with others that my son is autistic,” explained Almalood, from Muharraq. “I wanted him to be involved within the community, to meet others and enjoy life. I also wanted people to better understand autism. I started wearing shirts at different marathons and races with autism awareness or Khalid’s name written on them. People would then ask about Khalid and autism.”
Almalood competes in rowing, marathons and Spartan races. She received a medal for rowing in Bahrain and has a plethora of prizes from various events. She completed five marathons including 5km, 10km, 15km and 21km runs. She was awarded medals for Iron Girl and Spartan Arabia races in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Ras Al Khaimah.
She recently completed three Spartan Arabia virtual races from home including the Spartan Sprint, Spartan Super and Spartan Beast. The Spartan virtual races are being held across the world and are the equivalent of their regular races — same distance and same obstacle count. These free events are open to racers worldwide, with adult and children events available.
The Sprint is usually a 5km race featuring 20 obstacles. The Super is a 10km event with 25 obstacles and the Beast is a half marathon with more than 30 obstacles. Each virtual race consists of an outdoor run or indoor running equivalent and obstacles. Instead of cargo nets and barbed wire, participants take on push-ups, mountain climbers and more. People can earn a global leaderboard spot, a virtual medal, a certificate and unlimited bragging rights. Participants have to complete the distance for each race type by either running on a treadmill or cycling on a bike. The exercises also substitute as obstacles. Once they’ve completed their race, they then have to post proof on social media and tag the event’s corresponding hashtag such as #SpartanVirtualSprint or #SpartanVirtualSuper and so on.
Almalood completed the Sprint in three hours and both the Super and Beast in three hours and forty-five minutes.
She said: “It was incredible and I encourage people to continue staying fit and healthy during this time. I finished the races from home showing that nothing is impossible. Don’t let Covid-19 stop you from being healthy and doing what you love. I’ve crossed more than 42km in three days. One day, I would like to win a medal in the Asian Championship.”
Almalood would also like to thank the Ministry of Health for everything they are doing in caring for her son and others that are ill or in need of care.
“My son is staying at the hospital with the Ministry of Health for his safety due to the current situation,” she said. “We visit him four times a week. I share with him pictures, videos and keep him updated with what is happening. It’s safer for him.
“Also, any family with an autistic child who feels as though they need support, then by all means you can contact me.”
People can reach out to the sporting Spartan @amal9980hope on Instagram.
