Young Saudi Sultan Al-Bariqi makes history with 150km trek
In an incredible display of determination, 10-year-old Saudi Sultan Al-Bariqi has become the youngest person in the country to complete a 150-km journey on foot from Al-Namas to Abha in southern Saudi Arabia.
Accompanied by his adventure enthusiast father, Sultan completed the challenging five-day trek last Thursday.
Promoting tourism in Asir
Sultan’s father, Mohammed Al-Bariqi, shared that the purpose of the walk was to promote tourism in Asir, highlighting the region’s cool climate, lush vegetation, and towering mountains.
The route offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in lush green landscapes and enjoy the natural environment.
Experiencing the beauty of Asir
Starting from Al-Namas and passing through Balasmar, Billahmer, Tanomah, and Shaar en route to Abha, the journey showcased the beauty of Asir as a hub for domestic tourism.
Despite initial concerns about Sultan’s age, his father was impressed by his son’s enthusiasm for walking and exploring nature.
Encouragement from passersby
Throughout the trek, Sultan received encouragement from passersby who offered drinks and motivational words, keeping his spirits high and fitness levels strong.
Fueled by light meals and energy-boosting fruits, Sultan’s journey to Abha marked not only a personal achievement but also highlighted the therapeutic benefits of long-distance walking.
Advocating for holistic health
Al-Bariqi, a seasoned long-distance walker, advocates for walking as a holistic health practice, promoting reduced dependency on cars and embracing walking as a comprehensive regimen for health and wellness.
Inspired by his father’s passion, Sultan now aims to make long-distance walking a regular part of his life and encourages his peers to embrace physical activity.
Sharing the benefits of exercise
Sultan emphasizes the universal importance of exercise and the need for community-wide support to foster a healthier, more active society.
Eager to share his adventure with schoolmates, Sultan looks forward to recounting the many benefits he discovered during his transformative journey.