The Pearl Triathlon Team Relay

Finally the most anticipated triathlon event in Doha, The Pearl Triathlon took place today at my very own 'backyard'. This was the last event before the racing season take a long summer break here in Doha. The race was sold out weeks earlier, and drawn entries from the local triathlon community and participants as far as Kuwait and the neighbouring UAE.
Race Pack Collection and Briefing session on previous day

The swim took place at the beautiful Lido Qanat Quartier beach
I only entered the team relay in Olympic distance with Alan (Swim) and Najib (Bike) as I am currently in the peak of my marathon training for Edinburgh. A solo tri would my run sessions as I would need few days to recover. The quality of the competition in the Olympic relay was high. I must admit that I was not expected that at all. I thought we stand a chance for a podium finish. Our team Kona Bound Triathletes (KBT) came 4th after giving our best shot with a total time of 2:27:29.


Alan was exhausted when he came out of the water (1500 m in 29:24)


Najib with his Malaysia club's jersey, Denai United. His time on the bike was 40km in 1:11:38

Zachary, Cinta and Elias cheering from our apartment block were so excited every time I ran past them


Another good outing by KBT

Olympic Distance:

Swim 1500m - 29:24 (Rank 4th)
Bike 40 km - 1:11:38 (Rank 5th)
Run 10 km - 43:51 (Rank 3rd)

The run course was 2 laps from the transition area at Lido Qanat Quartier beach, passing through the undulating Corso Venezia then into the main Pearl highway towards the causeway and back. The hilly course and the heat was a killer, but it was great because I got to see my family who were cheering for me by the kerb in front of my apartment 4 times. It's not everyday that you get to run a race without travelling at all. Despite not making it to the podium, I was happy with my personal and our team's overall performance. I also did a PB in 10k!

Kudos to the organisers and the volunteers, the race was very well organised. A good sign for bigger races in the future. I can say it was the best I have participated locally. Everything was so meticulously planned for. Thank you.

I cant wait for the new season to start in October now that I am hooked with triathlon.

My sporty family
Strava detail here:



Garmin detail here:

The Pearl Triathlon Team Relay by Syafei at Garmin Connect - Details

Comments

hidupyanghidup said…
Hi send my regards to najib. what a small world. he was my neighbour back in denai alam, shah alam. used to cycle w/ him. i'm proud as well to wear the denai united in my last tokyo marathon :)

- dzulkaedah
24 June 2014 at 20:34
Mohd Syafei Ahmad said…
Dzul

InshaAllah I will. Najib is a star cyclist among Malaysians in Qatar.

Wah Tokyo marathon. I didnt get the ballot, will try again next year.

Syafei
25 June 2014 at 03:06
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