Words By: Samantha Cadwallader
Look no further than the 2XU Triathlon Championships held at Al Mamzar to satisfy your search for local racing that offers an action-packed morning of competitive fun for the entire family.
The 2XU Triathlon Championships is a series of three races that are open to all, from juniors and adults to novices and professionals. Organised by Super Sports Events, the Championships offer triathlon enthusiasts in the Middle East various race options, including Super Sprint (200m swim, 8km cycle, 2.5km run or 375m swim, 8km cycle, 2.5km run), Sprint (750m swim, 24km cycle, 5km run) and Olympic (1.5km swim, 40km cycle, 10km run) distances.
Participants were super excited about the follow-up event on Friday, 7th March, after the top spots were hotly contested in Race 1 by some seriously talented triathletes. Despite the chilly weather, Race 2 attracted over 300 athletes and even though it was a wetsuit legal swim, fewer people seemed to venture into the water for the usual pre-race warm-up, choosing rather to stay huddled together on the beach like a colony of penguins for added warmth.
With the briefing complete and the sound of the horn shattering any last-minute strategic race thinking, the race was on. The juniors were the first to brave the water followed quickly by the Olympic and Sprint competitors. A somewhat nippy swim ensured; the senses were stirred as swimmers clambered around the buoys and back to the beach before tackling the bike leg, which hugs the scenic shoreline before looping out and back and returning to the starting point.
An unfortunate headwind on the day meant that participants had to dig deep while navigating their way over roundabouts, around a few technical turns and monster speed bumps. Keeping track of the number of laps you have completed can prove tricky (three for the Sprint and five for the Olympic), but it certainly makes the ride seem quicker as you mull over numerous calculations in your mind. Tired or not, drafting is not acceptable so do not get caught in the act or you will be penalised by some eagle-eyed marshals and volunteers who monitor this rule very closely. Ensuring a fair race for all, they also provide some much-needed support and encouragement as you pass them by – great job guys and girls!
Into transition, ditch the bike and don the trainers because it is run time. The soft track is a welcome sight, soothing any heavy and weary legs. What is great about this run is that you can set your sights on those ahead of you, using them as a homing beacon or to motivate yourself to work harder as you try and catch them. It also keeps you on your toes as you can see if you are being closely tailed, or not, at the turns. As runners pass each other on the course you can hear whispers of friendly banter and praise. A fun but competitive spirit out on the course means that the event is renowned for good sportsmanship and pushing people to their limits.
Coming down the 2XU finishing shoot, crossing the finishing line and receiving the race bling (finisher’s medal) is awesome. Making it to the 2XU Triathlon Championships podium – priceless. Go on, “tri” it!
Entries for Race 3 on 28th March 2013 are already open and will be limited to the first 500 entries received. For more information visit www.supersportsdubai.com.
Top 10 tri essentials
2XU trisuit
Swim goggles
Race belt
Lock laces for your running shoes
Nutrition: GU gels and Aqualyte fluid and electrolyte supplement
Bike helmet and shoes
Visor
BodyGlide
Sunscreen
Entry fee per competitor
per race date
Adults (19 years and over) 300 AED; Juniors (18 years and under) 22 AED; Relay 175 AED.
Your 2XU Triathlon Championships race entry fee includes an electronic timing tag, t-shirt, swim cap, finisher’s medal, Go Sport voucher and refreshments. Plus, you can download your achievement in the form of a certificate and share your results with friends via Facebook.
