Qatar Tribune
The inaugural MAD Challenge, a run-swim-run event, held at the Katara Cultural Village on Friday saw participants take on the challenge of completing a 1.1km beach run, followed by a 750m open water swim, and then finishing off with a 5.6km run along the scenic Katara Hills running track.
The aquathlon event, hosted by the MAD (Make a Difference) Triathlon Club, is one of the many multi-sport disciplines that has grown in popularity in Qatar, and this week’s event saw expatriates from 22 different nationalities and a large contingent of Qatari nationals take part.
The multi-sport community has grown exponentially in Qatar, and the ease in COVID-19 restrictions has allowed the local race calendar to get back into full swing, albeit under the watchful eye of ‘coronavirus’ compliance officers, and following the guidelines for events as set out by the Ministry of Public Health.
MAD Triathlon Club, a not-for-profit group, made up of volunteers who love the sport, worked to promote an active lifestyle and provide residents in Qatar with opportunities to explore their physical limits.
MAD Triathlon, while providing the man-power to coordinate the event, thanked and acknowledged sister clubs – Q-Tri, Tri-Club Doha and the Qatar Cycling & Triathlon Federation governing body for the support and contribution in making the event a success.
“Hosting the MAD Challenge takes a great deal of organisation and support, and the Katara Management team has been in the forefront of promoting events of this nature. They have not only provided our athletes with a unique and amazing venue, but are constantly encouraging the community to get out and active,” said the organisers.
The sponsors for the event included Haidari Trading, Sharq Village & Spa, Oriental Trading Company, Qatar University, the Buhangin Divers, Euro Media Company, Rayyan Water, Luxury Trade & Marketing Group.