The inaugural MAD Challenge, a first-of-its-kind run-swim-run event, was a success with participants negotiating an aquathlon course at Katara Cultural Village last Friday.
The event, hosted by the MAD (Make a Difference) Triathlon Club, saw participants take on the challenge of completing a 1.1km beach run, followed by a 750m open water swim, and then finishing off with a 5.6km run along the scenic Katara Hills running track.
Aquathlon is one of the many multi-sport disciplines that has grown in popularity in Qatar, and last week’s event saw expatriates from 22 different nationalities and a large contingent of Qatari Nationals taking part.
The multi-sport community has grown exponentially in Qatar, and the ease in Covid-19 restrictions has allowed the local race calendar to get back into full swing, albeit under the watchful eye of Covid-19 compliance officers, and following the guidelines for events as set out by the Ministry of Public Health. Mubarak al-Ajji won the open male competition in a total time of 44 minutes and 13 seconds, ahead of Oliver Tomlinson (45:02) and Mohamed Farhat Ben Thabet (45:36).
The open female competition was topped by Michelle Shillabeer in a time of 49 minutes and 20 seconds, while Lyndall Jensen (53:38) and Tania Pydoryna (56:25) were second and third respectively.
The junior competition for girls, with a shortened route, was won by Ailsa Cameron in 25:16, with Anvitha Erini (29:49) and Aaliyah Howell (40:56) completing the podium.
Masters male and female competition was won by Simon Mortimer in the day’s fastest time of 42 minutes and 7 seconds, and Katrina Southwood (1:04:41) respectively.
Ewan Cameron (44:45) and Carlos Jr. Santos Delos Santos (47:57) were second and third behind Mortimer, while Lesley Jones (1:06:29) and Charlotte Wel Wel (1:07:19) completed the podium in the Masters female category.
The team competition was won by Team South West in a time of 43 minutes and 16 seconds, with Team GTC (44:37) and Team QTRI (45:37) second and third respectively.
MAD Triathlon Club is a not-for-profit group made up of volunteers, working to promote an active lifestyle and provide residents in Qatar with opportunities to explore their physical limits. The club thanked Q-Tri, Tri-Club Doha and the Qatar Cycling & Triathlon Federation, the governing body in Qatar, for their support and contributions.
“The event was a first-of-its-kind and it was organised in Katara, one of the major tourist attractions in Qatar. With the untiring support of the Katara management in promoting fitness and health through sports, MAD hopes to host another exciting new event. On behalf of MAD Triathlon, I would like to thank the Katara management for the support,” said Pedro Usero, a MAD Triathlon member and one of the event organisers.
Event organisers also thanked sponsors Haidari Trading, Sharq Village & Spa, Oriental Trading Company, Qatar University, the Buhangin Divers, Euro Media Company, Rayyan Water, Luxury Trade & Marketing Group, for their support.
Winners pose with their trophies after the inaugural MAD Challenge at Katara Cultural Village on Friday.
