Running on inspiration

IPIC World Triathlon Abu Dhabi got off to a thrilling start with over 2,000 age group participants taking the plunge at the Abu Dhabi Corniche

Abu Dhabi, UAE. Saturday, 7 March 2015: Today, the IPIC World Triathlon Abu Dhabi saw thousands of age group participants and spectators converging on the magnificent Abu Dhabi Corniche for one of the region’s most exciting triathlon races of the year. Over 2,000 athletes raced the course on Abu Dhabi’s beautiful Corniche in perfect weather ahead of Olympic and World Champions.

The ITU World Triathlon Series debut featured three distances to suit people of all abilities – Sprint, Olympic and Maxi. Over 600 racers flew into Abu Dhabi especially for the highly anticipated race where a breadth of countries were represented including the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Brazil, Great Britain, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Egypt,  Netherlands, France, Yemen and many more.

UAE National, Mohammed Al Qubaisi, was elated to have completed the race going shoulder to shoulder with some of the sport’s top professionals from around the globe. “Hats off to organisers for this fabulous event! This event is exactly what Abu Dhabi needs to encourage Emiratis to take up the sport at a young age. I was very happy with the course which showed off some of Abu Dhabi’s best sites such as the Corniche,” said 48-year-old Al Qubaisi.

One of the oldest age group contenders, Douglas Wood, who has flown in from Scotland to contest the IPIC World Triathlon Abu Dhabi commented: “I have been doing triathlons for the past 20 years and I can happily say that this is one of the best I’ve ever participated in. Very pleasant course, lovely weather and most importantly I raced the same course contested by the world’s best triathlon titans,” said 69-year-old Wood who successfully completed the Sprint distance.

On the other hand, we caught up with the IPIC World Triathlon Abu Dhabi’s youngest aspiring racer, Mario Condulmari, who hails from Italy and competed with his family. Upon completing the race the 15-year-old said: “This is my first triathlon and we’ve done it as a family which is very encouraging. My favourite part was the swim which was a breeze and then the bike and run I had to put in a lot more effort. Overall, the race was good and it will definitely not be my last one!”

Another keen Emirati athlete who has been counting down the days to experience his first triathlon ever right here in the heart of Abu Dhabi is 38-year-old Saif Al Nuaimi. “I didn’t know what to expect for my first triathlon but it’s safe to say I was hugely impressed with the atmosphere, infection energy and overall the great triathlon spirit of thousands of participants. I can’t wait to sign up for next year’s race.”