Sharjah’s First Ladies Duathlon receives remarkable response

The area around the university city of Al Qasimia University in Sharjah was alive with the spirit of 142 women, young ladies and girls from 32 nations as they participated in the first edition of the Sharjah Ladies Duathlon on Friday morning.

Organised by Sharjah Ladies Club (SLC), the event witnessed the participation of 14 girls aged 15-19, 42 young ladies between 20 and 29 years, 54 women aged 30-39 years, 28 women aged 40-49 and 4 women aged 50-54. A range of nationalities took part, in the race, including a high number of Emiratis.

Participants included Khawla Al Serkal, Director General of SLC, Nada Al Naqbi, Director of Women Sports Department, Amna Al Shanasi, Manager of SLC branches, Hanan Mahmoud, Director of Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre and celebrity athlete and women’s trainer Manal Rostom.

The contestants competed in two formats - as individuals and as part of a team - to accomplish the objectives, which were set out before them in three phases. Starting with a 2.5 kilometre run, followed by cycling for 9 kilometres, the duathlon finished with another 2.5-kilometre race on foot, with the event paving the way for all women to practice this interactive sport and lead a healthy lifestyle.

The race saw a fierce competition between participants who were keen to perform well in all phases. In the individual category, Liz Verheyden took the first place, Sioned Taylor ranked second and Lynette Wam won third place, while in the team category, Skydive Dubai won first place, Team Emma and Kieran took the second place and Lorna Jane Super Stars ranked third.

The winners of the race were awarded medals by Khawla Al Serkal, Director General of SLC. Place holders also received cash prizes. In the individual category, the winner received AED 7,000, the runner-up AED 6,000 and the third position winner AED 5,000. In the team category, the prize for the first place was AED 9,000, the second AED 8,000 and the third AED 6,000.

"The first edition of the Sharjah Ladies Duathlon was a huge success, reflecting that women are aware of the importance of sports in enhancing physical and mental health. SLC works to encourage women to take care of themselves and lead a healthy lifestyle by organising a spectrum of challenging and engaging activities for women and girls in the UAE," said Khawla Al Serkal.

Al Serkal extended her gratitude to all partners and sponsors who played a key role in the success of the event, including Sharjah Environment Company Bee’ah (Gold Sponsor), Tilal Properties (Silver Sponsor), Sharjah Sport Council (Silver Sponsor), the University City of Sharjah, Barakat Juice, Bioderama and ‘Liv’ – the official bicycle sponsor. She also thanked Collage Cafe and Fitness bar for having booths at the event, which provided healthy snacks for all throughout the competition.