Esrar Race a platform to promote healthy lifestyle

Theannual Esrar Race has become a platform to promote healthy and activelifestyle in Qatar, especially for the youth, Qatar’s Olympic championand 2018 IAAF Athlete of the Year Mutaz Essa Barshim told Gulf Times. “Thisis what I like, to inspire the youth and a lot of participants comeeven if it is Friday,” he said. “Normally people sleep at this time butthey are here to support and take part in this race.”Barshim stressed that Esrar Race is “very special” to him since it fosters sport and team spirit, as well as enjoyment. Henoted that the race, which features 21 obstacle courses this year, hasattracted an increasing number of participants from across Qatar andneighbouring countries as well. The event, organised by Aspire ZoneFoundation’s and ‘Diverse’ sports management company, witnessed morethan 500 contestants participating in the two day race at Aspire Park.“Ifeel great, just being part of this event it is a big honour, the lasttime (first edition) we had like 180, now we are 500 plus and I amreally happy about that,” Barshim pointed out. “That is what we needas a society, to come and enjoy, do sport, it just for fun, it is notabout winning, we are all winners today as long as you are enjoying andhaving fun, that is our message,” he said. “This is for our country.”Therace had welcomed people of different categories, includingprofessionals who come to beat their time, according to Barshim. PierreDaniel, a resident of Qatar who ran 475km around the country in sevendays, echoed Barshim’s statement saying the race created differentcategories, giving “easy access for anyone who is willing to try.” Hestressed that people should not believe that the race was only for thetough guys. “There is enough for the tough guys to have their fun,but they (organisers) also made sure that it was accessible for peoplewho just want to come and have fun and experience the obstacle races aswell,” he told Gulf Times. About winning, Daniel said: “I’m not here forthe win. I am very happy to finish having a medal, I enjoyed this greatday, I see people having great fun.”With 5km of 21 obstacles, he described the race as “very exciting and intense” and “it can really be tough if you want to go.”“Theymade an amazing job this year, all the obstacles are like bigger andbetter, it look great and the attendance is fantastic,” Daniel said. “Itis turning into a massive event, I think Qatar can be proud and theorganiser of this race.”