Salalah – Excitement, tears, and joy gripped the athletes and their supporters at the finish line of Ironman 70.3 Salalah as over 700 of them competed for the triathlon on Saturday.

Starting early and continuing until evening, the triathlon consisted of a 1.9km swim, followed by a 90km cycle ride and a final 21.1km run – for a combined total distance of 113km.

At the finish line, many collapsed and lay on the ground – not due to exhaustion but due to emotional breakdown – as their strenuous training of over six months culminated with the event drawing to a close.

Etienne Tillon of France came first in the men’s category, followed by Mohammed Isa (Bahrain) in the second and David Hynes (UK) in the third.

German athlete Lea Leinshoeft erupted in the glory of her triumph in the women’s category, while Daisy Baker from the UK and Melissa Abbey from South Africa ended the race in the second and third positions respectively.

This is the sixth race for Haitham al Farai, vice president of Oman Triathlon Committee.

“I am very happy that I completed it; which is indeed the very core of this challenge. Your place doesn’t matter – completing it is the biggest challenge. I took almost six hours. Ideally one must practice under trainers for six months but I did for three months only,” Farai said.

The event started around 7am and ended in the evening. Most of the athletes stayed at Fanar Hotel and Residences while others stayed in the apartments of the resort.

For most, participating in triathlons wasn’t new but there were many for whom this was the first time.
Abdul Rahim, one such participant from Palestine and a resident of Saudi Arabia said, “This is my first ever Ironman and I am so happy that I managed to complete it though many of my friends said that it will be tough and I won’t be able to finish. My most challenging moment was the return journey on cycle where the wind and heat was very strong; and this slowed me down little.”

Some athletes collapsed during the race, and had to be taken for medical attention on stretchers. Water, medics and emergency aid were set all along the route, even though not too many athletes faced any major challenge.

Niklas Halen, one of the participants from Sweden and a resident of the UAE, said, “This is my first trip to Salalah, though I took part in Ironman Muscat before the pandemic. I have been practicing for years now and I am in shape for such races. Though I stay in Dubai, I must say that the terrain and weather is little different in Salalah; so it was a new experience and challenge for me but I enjoyed it.”

Mohamed Obaidani, CEO of Triathlon Middle East, said, “We are extremely happy to see the success of the event. All the participants gave their best. We look forward to similar excitement for Ironman 70.3 Muscat slated for February next year.”

The event, organised by Triathlon Middle East, was held at Hawana Salalah over a period of three days. Inaugurated by H E Salem bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, the Minister of Heritage and Tourism, the triathlon also witnessed participation of women and children on Friday.