Friday 26 / April / 2024
Muscat: Renowned triathletes from across the world are expected to arrive in Oman in March to take part in the Muscat Paradise Triathlon.
Aptly titled Muscat ‘Paradise’ Triathlon, as it will be supported by and organised at one of the most picturesque locations in Muscat — Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, the event will be organised by Tri-ME Sporting Events and Muscat Triathlon Club on March 17.
The Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa has come forward to support the swim-bike-run event, which has a huge following both among the Omanis and the expatriate community, with the primary aim of creating more awareness about triathlon and to promote the beauty of the Sultanate.
Speaking at a simple yet impressive press event at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa to announce the details of the Muscat Paradise Triathlon, hotel’s General Manager Juergen Doerr said: “It has been our endeavour to promote the importance of sports and healthy lifestyle. In the recent past, we have done that by supporting small sports events.
“Now we are supporting Muscat Paradise Triathlon, which is a much bigger event. The aim is to create more awareness about triathlon and also promote the country.”
While admitting that supporting and playing host to such an event is a ‘big responsibility’ as it involves co-ordinating with many organisations, he said: “We are looking forward to this event with great anticipation and excitement. We are hopeful of hosting a successful event.”
Juergen Doerr, himself an avid triathlete, said: “The route is going to be very exciting for all the participants. There is no doubt about it.”
“The beautiful venue and the exciting route are the main reasons, we are expecting international athletes to take part in this event,” he said.
“We are already in the touch with some of the well known athletes, including the age group champions from various international events. The process is on and once the names are confirmed, we will release the list,” he said.
Two categories
Echoing his views on the event’s ability to attract international triathletes, Marketing and Communication Director of Tri-ME, Fathiya Hamid Al Rasadi said: “We could not have chosen a better place to host Muscat Paradise Triathlon. This is one of the most beautiful locations in the Middle East. The view from Shangri-La is stunning and with the all three sections of the triathlon happening around the hotel, we have no doubt world’s best will be looking forward to take part in this event.”
Giving the details of the triathlon, she said: “There will be two main categories — Olympic and Sprint triathlons. Olympic category will include 1500m swim, 40km bike and 10km run sections. A 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run form the Sprint category.”
“The swimming sections will be held off Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah beach. The bike section will take the participants to Yiti and back. The run section will take place in the resort’s picturesque surroundings,” she added.
“There will also be kids duathlon comprising 2km bike and 500m run sections,” she informed.
International standard
Asked about the number of participants expected to attend in the event, the Tri-ME official said: “Our event is an international standard competition. So a lot of international triathletes will be looking to take part in this triathlon.
“We are expecting participants from across the world and the number may exceed 200. And hopefully some of the very popular names will here.”
Shangri-La’s Director of Sales and Marketing Oliver Braun, Director Sports and Recreation Trevor Smith and Tri-ME Operations Director Ali Nader Al Tamimi also spoke on the occasion.
