The Sultanate of Oman’s first ever Waterfront Oman Women’s Duathlon has been run and won, and according to a spokeswoman for the organisers, prominent sports administrator, Baida al Zadjali, “It’s only going to get bigger and better.” The twenty participants ran 1.5 km, cycled 5 km, and then finished with another 1.5 km run on a course that was perfect as an introduction to the event.
“Starting at the main sponsor’s Waterfront Shopping Centre in Shatti Al Qurum, with the initial run along Qurum beach back to the transition area adjacent to the Sarooj beach. The cyclists raced out of the transition area to the Bareeq Al Shatti junction, looping back to the transition area where they shed their bikes for the grueling last 1.5 km back to the Waterfront Centre, with Caroline Bolle first, Reem al Harthy second, and Purva Narang third. The competitors were in awe of the experience, praising the organisers, sponsors and supporters of the event, one commenting, “The inspirational volunteers, the Course Marshalls and spectators, all made it a very real race experience, and gave us a good boost.”
Al Zadjali explained that “This initial event, given its success, will be the first of three such events as part of a championship with events to follow on November 19, and December 3, and the 2021 Champion will be crowned based on accumulated points, at its conclusion.” She also commented that the initial entries were sourced by word-of-mouth, on-site registration and social media, and is confident that “the word” will spread further and wider, of the event, especially for novices.
Such events don’t just ‘happen,’ and “the efforts in organising the event by the members of the committee with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth was outstanding,” said Al Zadjali, “and such events could not have happened without the assistance of the Royal Oman Police in securing the course, logistical support and expertise from Triathlon Middle East, the sponsors such as Meezah Design, Dhofar Water, Pocari Sweat, and myevents.om for the online registrations.”
The Oman Triathlon Committee, and the Sultanate of Oman’s ministries appear committed to creating opportunities, and events for women’s participation, this one being entirely organised by women, for women, as part of ongoing ‘healthy lifestyles’ objectives. Breaking down conservative barriers through engaging with modest distances speaks to making the events more attractive to novice participants, and gradually building awareness and competitor numbers.
A fierce competitor herself in multisport events, Al Zadjali has achieved prominence by trekking the Empty Quarter, by representing the Sultanate of Oman on the World Triathlon Women’s Committee, and in the once male dominated profession of Construction Project Management, so she walks the walk, an inspiration to other young Omani women who are yet to challenge themselves... maybe in the next duathlon?
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