Race route for 5i50 triathlon announced

Muscat Sept 18 - The Triathlon Middle East (Trime) has announced the race route for the first ever Triathlon 5i50 to be hosted by Muscat on November 2 ahead of Ironman 70.3. “The 5i50 triathlon will offer a perfect run-up to the prestigious Ironman 70.3 event on March 1, 2019,” said Mohammed al Obaidani, Race Director and Chief Executive Officer of Trime. “We are expecting athletes between 250-450 for the 5i50. Already 17 Omanis have registered for both 5i50 and Ironman 70.3.” The 5i50 race route will be also part of the Ironman 70.3 with more distances to be added, he said in reply to a query. “The race tracks were chosen according to the international standards of Ironman Company, World Corporation and Global Triathlon in Europe, Middle East and Africa,” Al Obaidani said. “The Sultanate is rich with mesmerising tourist attractions and heritage that makes it the perfect destination for this kind of events,” he added. Ali al Tamimi, Trime General Manager, said the 5i50 and Ironman 70.3 will change the Sultanate’s status in the triathlon world. “These events will firmly place the Sultanate in the global triathlon map and international sports. No need to say about the tourism and economic perspectives that the events will offer. It will greatly boost the tourism industry in Oman, thereby serving the economy as well.” Al Tamimi said there will be age-group categories in the 5i50 and for the first time in Ironman 70.3. “Till now we had only overall top three places in the Ironman 70.3. During the Muscat Ironman 70.3 there will be age-group prizes which will be a great opportunity for the local people,” he said. Haider Dabaeen, Director of Sales at the InterContinental Hotel was also present during the function. Meanwhile, the preparations for the Ironman 70.3 going very well, said Al Obaidani. “The 5i50 triathlon will be a great platform to test our organising skills ahead of the big event,” the former triathlete said. “The preparations for the Ironman 70.3 is going very well. We are all trying very hard and we call on the sports enthusiasts, citizens and residents to join us either as participants or volunteers for the 5i50 triathlon and Ironman 70.3 events, Mohammed concluded. ‘Coffee on boat’ challenge The organisers of the 5i50 triathlon has come up with a ‘Coffee on boat’ challenge to raise awareness on fitness and conservation of environment. A free hot coffee will be served on boat for those who swim up to the boat placed some 200 metres away from the Qurum Beach near the race venue.  “This challenge is basically to create interest in people about the triathlon events apart from spreading the message of a healthy lifestyle and conservation of our environment,” Mohammed al Obaidani said. The fun challenge will begin from September 28 (Friday). It will be held on all weekends till the 5i50 event.  “There will be prizes sponsored by Gloria Jean’s also to cheer up the enthusiasts. It is open for all,” Al Obaidani added. Anuroop Athiparambath