Over 700 local and international participants competed at the notorious 11th edition of the iconic Wadi Adventure Race Series (W.A.R.11), which took place at the Middle East’s first man-made whitewater rafting, kayaking, surfing and wakeboarding destination, Wadi Adventure – Al Ain on January 16, 2016.
Arriving at the crack of dawn, participants started registering and receiving their goodie bags, electronic timing chips from Premier Onlineand WAR 11 t-shirts supported by Al Ain Pharmacy from the Wadi Adventure reception desk before making their way to an energetic warm–up session conducted by Fitness360 which prepped them before heading over to the Red Bull arch starting point.
The event took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum who participated for the second time in the Men’s 15km category.
The event also witnessed participation of the UAE Representative at Ministry of Interior in the USA and ex-National Athlete, and Abu Dhabi Police Instructor Mr. Rashid Butti Al Qubaisi who bagged the second position in the 10km category.
The nail biting build-up; W.A.R.11 was split into three gruelling race courses (5km, 10km and 15km) providing challengers the opportunity to test their physical limits and conquering along the way a series of over 25 indeterminate obstacles like climbing ropes, hauling heavy-duty sand bags, crawling under barbed wires and finally plunging into ice-filled water before reaching the finishing line.
The 10km extended Full Loop course especially incorporated with a bunch of new obstacles proved to be the highlight of the day, adding more zest to the popular racing event.
“Extreme obstacle racing is one of the newest fitness trends and Wadi Adventure Race 11 proved to be a thrilling spectacle as it mastered at testing the inner fortitude and determination of its participants in a fun and friendly environment”, stated Mr. Nilesh Mistry, General Manager of Wadi Adventure,
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum awarded the 18 podium winners from the Men’s and Women’s categories with medals and over 45,000 AED worth of prizes.
The racing event was followed by a complimentary buffet, raffle draw, and an entertainment zone for the kids hosted by Tamra Events.
With W.A.R.11 coming to a successful end, Wadi Adventure Race series has undoubtedly become one the top most challenging obstacle races in the UAE.
W.A.R.11 Sponsors included: Al Ain Pharmacy, Al Ain Club, Al Ain Municipality, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority, Al Ain Water, Al Noor Hospital, Al Ain Raceway, Eastern Motors LLC, Al Masood Travels and Services, Al Ain Rotana, Hilton Al Ain Hotel, Ayla Hotel, Ain Al Faida-One to One Hotel and Resort, McCain, GO Sport Middle East, Fit4Skool, Futurelife, Tamra Events and Three60 Leisure.
Media: Dubai Life TV, The Source UAE, Outdoor UAE and Kabayan Weekly.
Winners Men
5km Podium
1st place: David Grapengeter
2nd Place: Mohammed Al Hassani
3rd Place: Paul Drury
10km Podium
1st place: Rob Jones
2nd Place: Rashid Butti Al Qubaisi
3rd Place: Dustin Radney
15km Podium
1st place: Hallvard Borsheim
2nd Place: Boris
3rd Place: Jacques Gilbert Sophie
Winners Women
5km Podium
1st place: Niamh Walsh
2nd Place: Liz Kelleher
3rd Place: Susan Hulland
10km Podium
1st place: Ashley Samples
2nd Place: Carolina Gutierrez Juri
3rd Place: Kelly Fray
15km Podium
1st place: Joanne Park
2nd Place: Michelle Jones
3rd Place: Sara Aouad
