That was the race that was

Kicking, punching and flying elbows. You would be forgiven for thinking that this would be a review of the local Mixed Martial Arts scene although bizarrely it describes the start to the largest and most inclusive endurance event ever witnessed in Bahrain – the Challenge Bahrain half-triathlon.

The swim at the start is a mass of bodies all fighting for position, trying to stay close to the person in front to reduce the resistance yet not so close that you get kicked in the face and gulp a stomach (or lung) full of seawater. The super-fit make a break for it to gain valuable minutes’ advantage before the first transition.

As colour-coded heads bobbed in the waters of Bahrain Bay a cannon woke the neighbourhood from its slumber and announced the arrival of the best triathlon event in the world.

The power and technique of the professionals was a sight to behold whether that be motoring through the water or powering streamlined down the highways.

Many of the professionals proved to be highly approachable and were rich in their praise of Bahrain.

Indeed, the course received plaudits from all. The waters were, as promised, crystal clear, silencing the doubters who had participated in the trial events. While the temperature had dropped overnight the heat soon kicked in, although a brisk breeze cooled and yet challenged the cyclists.

High praise was reserved for the cycling course with visitors, professional and amateur, delighted that they were able to race in safety, free from the concerns of traffic … although they had a clear view of the problems mounting around them!
All three lanes of the highway made for easy overtaking and the route allowed visitors the opportunity to see much of what Bahrain has to offer.

Finishing at the Bahrain International Circuit was the coup de grace and was described as a unique experience although the run through the ‘zoo’ at Al Areen was equally exciting, particularly for one competitor who was raced by an ostrich!

Bahrain attracted visitors from 52 countries, many of them amateurs. Their desire to race here stemmed from the ability to race alongside (rather than against) so many professionals.

The rich prize-money on offer ensured a strong field, greater than even the world championships, according to some. Credit should also go to the organisers for ensuring that the purse on offer was identical for the men and women, unlike many sporting events.

Those who arrived early to overcome jetlag and familiarise themselves with the course were delighted with the welcome and attention to detail.

Swimmers were delighted to be able to relax after training with a coffee and croissant while the carb-loading party was more luxurious than many imagined possible. Even the logistics of gaining access to bikes drew approval.

This event also demonstrated the burgeoning local triathlon scene. It was not only the large quantity of local competitors that impressed, but also the quality of their performances. Many individuals completed the 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21km run faster than the relay teams.

While the international athletes rightly praise the event as the best they have ever experienced, those at a local level were frequently left scratching their heads.

Questions posed at the race briefing were primarily concerning parking, transport and access to sites for supporters and family members wishing to attend. While there were those who made it to the circuit there were also hundreds who, disappointingly, were unable to negotiate the route in.

Even at the start, competitors and spectators were directed onto the rocks and were unable to clearly watch the swimmers leaving the water and the whole transition.

At the end of the run there was confusion, even amongst helpers, as to the location and availability of the recovery tents.

Challenge Bahrain was not so much the title to the triathlon, rather a statement of intent to those not competing. While there can be several understandable logistical quibbles to those hosting an event for the first time, the largest has to be surrounding the traffic disruption and poor communication in certain areas.

However, this is the first event and the many positives far outweighed areas where tweaks can be made.

One of the highlights was watching Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and professional athletes taking the time after they cooled down to hand out medals to the later arrivals – a special touch that demonstrated their love of the event and the camaraderie that exists within the triathlon family.

For many, simply finishing the gruelling distance is an achievement in itself. Participants came in all shapes and sizes including several retirees, proof in itself that triathlon can be for all.

The after-party was a welcome addition to proceedings with a stunning fireworks display and live music.

None of this would have been possible without the large number of volunteers on the water, at aid stations and manning the technical and transition areas. Some estimates place the number at over 2,000 working hard behind the scenes.

Cyclists spoke of being supported along the Muharraq roads by scores of Asian labourers cheering alongside local nationals while Westerners and Arabs were spotted along the streets of Juffair and Saar. Those who made it to the BIC cheered as the triathletes transitioned from their rides to the run with children waving flags and high-fiving competitors along the final straight, providing inspiration for the final push.

More has been promised as Shaikh Nasser, who can be rightly proud of his achievements on and off track, teased the audience at the after-party with the promise of a three-race Middle East series incorporating Oman and Dubai before finishing in Bahrain with a seven-figure prize-money guarantee.

Let’s hope that this also includes more access for spectators and races for newly-inspired children.

To have achieved the accolade of ‘best triathlon’ is a tremendous achievement, particularly given there are 44 other Challenge events spanning the globe. Bahrain has laid a challenge to the Challenge Family – but the bar is only going to get higher! Triathlon has found a new home.