Athlete turns 100km run into fight against autoimmune diseases

Resident hopes to inspire others with similar conditions

- BY TRICIA GAJITOS

Behind the strength and stamina of Dubai athlete Nikola Aleksic lies a five-year battle with a rare autoimmune condition. On May 24, he will be marking his birthday by running 100 kilometres across the city, not just to test his limits, but to raise awareness for the struggles of people living with diseases like his own.

The route is set to start at Al Qudra, pass through Al Quoz industrial area, continue along Umm Suqeim, and finish at the iconic Burj Al Arab, where he has planned a symbolic breakfast at the Arabian tea house.

Aleksic has been living with Behcet's disease, an autoimmune condition that causes painful mouth sores, skin outbreaks, eye inflammation, and even bone pain. His early years with the syndrome have been marked by uncertainty, misdiagnoses, and recurring flareups, all while competing in kickboxing.