A Dubai transportation engineer who hails from Tenby has run one of the toughest trails in the UK to raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance.

Tenby native, Matthew May, now living in Dubai covered a gruelling 56-kilometres during the Ultra Trail Snowdonia on Yr Wyddfa, Wales’ highest mountain.

The 30-year-old has spent the past six years working in the United Arab Emirates, but his roots remain firmly in Wales.

Matt said: “Growing up in West Wales, I spent a lot of time sailing, so I saw the helicopter called out multiple times.

“I still have family in the region and my father works for the charity as a Regional Fundraising Manager, so I wanted to do something to support the service.”

On May 17 Matt joined a close friend and his all-important support crew for the Ultra Trail Snowdonia.

“There were originally four of us who signed up to do the event, but unfortunately two got injured. So, it ended up being me and Harry Beck,” he continued.

Matt UAE Trail Group
Matt pictured with his UAE Trail Group (Wales Air Ambulance)

“I covered the full 56-kilometres, Harry completed the 25-kilometre event.”

Matt has always had a deep connection with running, his journey began with cross country races back in school and nearly a decade ago, he completed the Cardiff Half Marathon, a milestone that sparked bigger and greater challenges such as the Ultra Trail Snowdonia.

Now, he leads his own Dubai based trail running group called Jebel Endurance, where he guides runners into the UAE mountains every weekend to explore some of the region's most scenic trails.

“I wanted to try more adventurous, harder challenges and it’s taken me months to build up to the Snowdonia ultra,” he explained.

“With over 3,000 metres elevation, it’s not the easiest trail to cover and took around just under thirteen hours to complete.

“There were three checkpoints along the course that you had to reach within strict time limits.

Matt has visited the service’s base in Dafen and described the visit as ‘fascinating and inspiring.” He got to meet the crew and learn about the work they do.
Matt has visited the service’s base in Dafen and described the visit as ‘fascinating and inspiring.” (Wales Air Ambulance)

“I was buzzing to see my crew, Kirk, Medya, Harry, Raife, and Ellie out on the course. It really meant a lot that they took the time to be there and support.

“At the six-hour mark, I met my father. That was a huge boost. I was tired by then, he helped me refill my bottles, sort out my nutrition, and mentally reset for the second half of the race.

“These types of races are more just runs; they are full of adventures. You must carry all the right gear, emergency kit and the proper nutrition. Anything can happen up there.

“It really is a different ball game as anyone who has been up there knows, it can be very slippery and dangerous, so you use your hands a lot too.”

“It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It demanded a lot of mental and physical strength, but I absolutely loved taking in the beautiful scenery.”

The challenge raised just over £300 for Wales Air Ambulance.

You can follow Matt’s journey on Instagram at @matt_johnm and discover the trails he leads through @jebel_endurance on Instagram and YouTube.