Racing to the finish

The slogan on the Twin Palms Riding Centre's (TPRC) Marathon Relay Team T-shirts read 'this would have been easier on a horse' and Never was a truer sentence spoken, writes Helen Blake.

It seems such a long time ago that one evening someone, who will remain nameless, came up with a suggestion that TPRC get a team together to run in this year's marathon relay, coupled with "well, you can run, can't you?!"

At the time it actually seemed like a really good idea and, anyway, it was such a long way off I thought it would be an idea that would fall by the wayside in due course.

There it was ... forgotten, until suddenly a list appeared on the office noticeboard to sign up to run the marathon!

I did my best to avoid and ignore the notice until it was obvious there was no escape. So in for a penny ... training began; a three kilometre course was measured and our team consisting of riders of all ages and disciplines, alongside friends and family, was put through its paces.

It was all co-ordinated by our trainer, Idrak, with timings and coaching sessions being conducted on horseback!

Even our sponsor's, Classic Arabia, was ready with the team T-shirts. As the day drew nearer, I began to have real doubts as to my ability. I am NOT a runner but others in this team were very good. However, assured and encouraged by Idrak, I went along with it.

So, the day arrived and everyone set off to the BIC for Twin Palms' inaugural marathon relay, not really knowing quite what to expect.

The first few stages were manic with cars full of supporters, marshals and athletes (that's what everyone kept calling us on the day!) waiting for the first runner to appear - accompanied by a police escort.

Then we waited for our runner, handover done and off to the next stage. Along the way you find yourself (well, I did) running every step of each leg encouraging and cheering on your colleagues.

So, suffice to say, by the time it was my turn to run I was exhausted. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

At the time standing waiting for Dawood to come round that corner with the baton, I felt positively sick with nerves. I seriously did not know if I would make it to the end. Everyone had done so well and we seemed to be going strong.

Whilst obviously not up to the more professional runners, we were holding our own.

It was a very long 3k. The feeling you get at the end of your run as you hand the baton over (apart from relief you don't have to carry on) is quite mind blowing.

With only a couple of stages to go everyone headed to the BIC finish point where we were able to cheer Idrak on as she steamed over the finish line.

To say everyone was in high spirits at the end of the race is an understatement; it was a truly amazing experience. Twin Palms Riding Centre came in an incredible 35th position out of the 162 teams that ran, having hoofed it round in three hours and 45mins!

The marathon was much like an equine endurance event and now I feel a true affiliation with the horse!

Email Helen with your horse stories on helen2blake@hotmail.com.

SATURDAY night saw the beginning of this season's endurance rides held at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, a qualifying race for future events.

The Dilmun Riding Club also held an in-house event on Friday, a Beginners' Show Jumping Clinic, aimed at people who can ride, but with little or no jumping experience, which was also open to non-Dilmum members using Dilmun horses.