| Issue 6
TriClub Doha, which is run by volunteers, is an
extraordinary success story. Ewan says: “This year we’ve
held four triathlons, four aquathlons – just swim and
run, and four duathlons – a bike and run. Plus a running
series.
“The Doha triathlon is an event we helped set up two
years ago, working with the Museum of Islamic Art,
which is the perfect venue because you can run around a
beautiful park, you can swim there, and then bike along
the Corniche.
“Our first event in 2017 was an Olympic distance
triathlon, that was promoted internationally, and
attracted people from overseas to compete.”
He describes how some become addicted to the sport,
while others achieve distances they never imagined
possible.
“The more experienced triathletes get hooked,” he
says. “Recently, some TriClub members took part in the
Ironman 70.3 in Muscat, with a 2km swim, 90km bike
ride, and a 21km run.
“That requires a good three months training, but it’s
achievable for all ages, shapes and sizes.
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“We’ve seen lots of people who never conceived of doing
a triathlon in their whole life, and they come along with
their kids, because the kid got an email from school.
Then they think: ‘I could try that too’.
“They start with the beginners’ distance, a year later
they’re entering the Ironman in Muscat. We’ve seen
many of our participants go through that evolution in the
course of a year.
“It’s hugely addictive, there’s a big adrenaline rush when
you cross the finish line in a race you’ve been training
for.”
Indeed, Ewan has worked hard to achieve his own goal.
He says: “I wanted to do a half Ironman in under five
hours. Two and a half years ago I worked with a coach
and did the half Ironman in Bahrain. I was able to
achieve a time of 4.47, which was more than 17 minutes
better than my previous best.”
He jokes: “I was really proud of that achievement, but
did realise it would be very difficult to ever achieve that
again.”
Visit www.triclubdoha.com to learn more about TriClub Doha’s
upcoming trainings and community events.