Call of the dunes

Vicki Grunicke from Austria, the 2010 runner up in the triple ironman category of the world Ironman championships, has been training hard for the cycling and running stages of Dune Up 2011, an extreme sports event being held in Oman from March 4 to 14.

“I feel it’s going to be challenging and I will definitely have to give all I have during the mountain biking stages. So I am definitely looking forward to the event,” she said, a day before the group of 17 began the journey from Oman Dive Centre in Muscat.

According to Martin Trier of OmanExplorers, the second edition of Dune Up will be far tougher than the first one that took place in 2008. “We haven’t had one in the last three years because of the harsh economic climate, which made it very tough for us to find sponsors. This year we have gone ahead without sponsors. The participants have taken care of their own expenses,” he said.

The nine-day event will include running, cycling, swimming, hiking and camping. “It has certain fatigue inducing parts to it but we will also be camping under the stars, enjoying a desert safari and each other’s company,” said Dietrich Sullman, an athlete from Italy who is participating in the event for the first time.

“I think the most important aspect of this event will be building team spirit and motivating each other to push harder. This is the first time I am taking part in such an event and I want to make the most of it,” added Joerg Scharf from Bali.

Starting from the Oman Dive Centre, the participants rode on their mountain bikes along the eastern coast towards the Bimmah Sinkhole. “I am told it is a beautiful spot. I’m waiting to swimming and relaxing there, since the mountain biking sections are going to be very tough for me personally,” said Steffan Schellenz, a participant from Germany.

“We have all trained in different ways, in terms of time spent on training and the intensity. I’m looking forward to see how far each one of us can go,” added Mark Hohe-Dorst, who competes in International Ultra Triathlon Association events.

On the second day, the group will cycle to Wadi Shab in the eastern Hajar mountains and conclude the day with a 5km run. Days three and four will see them biking through the mountains from Wadi Bani Khalid to the Sharqiyah Sands besides running in the desert.

“That will be the halfway point. The fifth day will be really adventurous as we will have to run a lot in the desert. There will be a 20km desert run on the sixth day also after which we will start cycling towards Al Qabil,” said Trier.

The group will hit the mountains again the following day as they move through Al Qabil towards the western Hajar Mountains. Day eight will see them travel to Wadi Bani Awf, where the toughest mountain biking stage will take them to Al Awabi. The event will conclude on the ninth day when they reach Sawadi for a day of relaxation.

“It is not a competition. We are more like explorers. We want to see the country but not as regular tourists. We want to push ourselves to the limits and have worked very hard in training but at the same time when we are out there we want to enjoy our surroundings as well,” said Martin Kreiwald, a first time participant from Germany.

For Emile Kruger (name changed), who suffers from multiple sclerosis, it is not only the rugged terrain that will pose a challenge. However, like all the others, he is there to enjoy the warm weather and face the challenges of such a desert event.

“I love to run and that’s why I am here. I do not know how I’m going to do in the cycling stages. I don’t have my own mountain bike. However, I know I can participate in whatever discipline I want to and I get to be in the great outdoors,” he said.

“That is the beauty of such an event. We have a great support staff that will be driving in 4WDs with us at all times. While all of us are very serious about the challenges, people can opt out at any stage and ride with them if they want,” said Trier.

“Some will be braving the sand for the first time and may find it harder to endure the heat. However, all of us are grateful for this amazing weather at a time when it’s very cold in Europe and a chance to enjoy the beauty of this country,” he summed up.