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ATHLETES have been left angry and disappointed after Challenge Bahrain was cancelled just a month before it was set to be staged, leaving many counting the cost of the decision after booking flights and hotel accommodation to participate in the event.
The inaugural race last year was considered a success but was dogged by controversy over road closures which caused inconvenience for travellers trying to reach the airport for flights and this year’s event has been scuppered by permit issues, according to the organisers.
The race cancellation was made last Thursday with a message on the event’s website and Facebook page, signed by The Team at Challenge Bahrain 2015. It stated: “We regret to inform you that the Challenge Bahrain 2015 race will no longer go ahead on November 20 due to issues regarding the road traffic safety permit for the race.
“We would like to thank you for your enthusiasm and willingness to undertake the race. We have worked hard for many months to deliver an exceptional race that followed on from the legacy created by the inaugural Challenge Bahrain in 2014.
“Challenge is committed to delivering the highest quality triathlons on the best and safest courses. In light of the permit issues, we were unable to do this for Challenge Bahrain 2015 so we felt it was in the interest of the athletes that we cancel the race. We will of course provide refunds of the registration fees to all registered athletes.
“We know you have trained hard for this race, made preparations and understand the frustration you are now feeling. To this end Challenge Family will shortly be in direct contact with all athletes with a special offer that will help you continue your Challenge Family Athlete’s Journey and achieve your triathlon goals.”
Frustration was possibly the kindest interpretation of some of the messages left by furious triathletes.
Former business analyst Natarsha Wendt said she was ‘absolutely annoyed’ with the ‘whole shambles’.
“Last year was fantastic, hence why I signed up again. Have you any idea how much money it costs to come from Australia? That is $2,500 just in flights for my partner and I and we booked and paid for the race hotel. This whole ordeal has cost us near $4,500! I am beyond angry,” she added. “I have been such an advocate for Challenge.”
Brit Anna Street said she has paid £1,800 just in flights and £560 for hotel accommodation. “I shall never book a Challenge race again,” she fumed.
The Challenge Family describes itself as the fastest growing global long distance triathlon series, now with 44 full and half distance triathlons in 21 countries and ‘changing the face of long distance racing around the world’.
Challenge Family was born in Germany but it now includes many of the world’s great races. These include the oldest race in mainland North America, Challenge Penticton, the oldest race in Europe, Challenge Almere, the oldest race in Asia, Challenge Laguna Phuket and the oldest race in Australia, Challenge Forster.
Challenge Bahrain aimed to mark a new Middle East partnership between the organisation and the kingdom. The partnership promised to have a strong focus on encouraging new participation and excellence in triathlon while creating an opportunity for professional athletes with its $500,000 prize purse, the largest in the world over the 1.9km/90km/21km distance, it said, to ensure the ‘widest and most professional participation’.
Race competitors and triathlon enthusiasts are now concentrating on the IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain. It is the first IRONMAN event in the region and is set to take place on December 5.
Staged by rival organisation, the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), the event is one of a series of triathlon races. The ‘70.3’ refers to the total distance in miles (113km) covered in the race, consisting of a 1.2-mile (1.9km) swim, a 56-mile (90km) bike ride, and a 13.1-mile (21.1km) run. Each distance of the swim, bike and run segments is half the distance of that segment in an Ironman triathlon.
A WTC spokesman said: “IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain promises to deliver one of the best triathlons in its distance, because it is simply more than just a sport event. It is a weekend that will keep you busy with interesting family specific side events, as well as a number of opportunities to see all participants in the entertaining opening and closing ceremonies.”
