Teamwork and high spirits

Rain and strong winds could do nothing to dampen the spirits of thousands of runners as the Bahrain Marathon Relay celebrated its 37th consecutive year.

Last year witnessed runners sheltering under the marshall’s scaffolding to escape the intense heat while this year the staging and covers provided welcome respite from the drizzle and cooling breeze for the estimated 3,000 runners.

While this may have proved a problem for those on the later stages awaiting the arrival of their baton, once they were unleashed on their leg the conditions became refreshing and perfect for the event.

For those who have never experienced one of Bahrain’s favourite and certainly longest-running charity events then you have missed one of the kingdom’s truly great spectacles.

In the early phases of the 16-stage race the roads are awash with runners of all shapes and size, some supported by the odd individual with others cheered on by bus loads of vociferous colour-clad revellers intent on having a party.

The Bahrain International Circuit again played host to the start and finish although it feels much more special to be able to run on the track itself. The upside was a more spacious opening leg devoid of flying elbows and jostling for position.

It’s a shame that triathletes were unable to compete due to the clash with the Ironman event as many are regular supporters of the marathon relay. Unfortunately, it seems in the months sandwiched by summer and Christmas there are always multiple events to select on any given weekend.

Some participants uncharitably, possibly born from frustration, observe that the race would break world records for the levels of road rage it generates as drivers fight for position as stages merge or others race to later changeovers with disregard to the other runners.

While technically it is a race – and Bapco and Joud, winners of the men’s and women’s open categories would certainly concur – that is not the main purpose of the event for the vast majority of the participants. 

The leading men finished in a scarcely-believable time of 152 minutes, a whopping 26 minutes ahead of their nearest rival. They could have gone round the course twice and still beaten some of the backmarkers! The leading women’s team actually finished third overall.

For companies it is an event that helps promote team bonding while for schools, societies, clubs and charities it is an opportunity to get to know familiar faces. Everyone can enjoy the day even if it is the only exercise they get all year.

You don’t have to be fit to participate, although it certainly helps. That said, just because you think you are fit doesn’t mean that you can run fast. Some teams have been training together for weeks in a perfect lifestyle choice to beat the impending excesses of the Christmas season.

It is an event for all irrespective of size and shape. With the team format the marathon relay allows every individual to set their own challenges and goals.  For some it is a race against the clock, striving to beat their own personal best from years gone by. For others they are racing against colleagues, classmates, sons or siblings.

With the various team categories there are races within the race as companies take on their corporate rivals or staff challenge pupils of their own or other schools.

There appeared to be a larger number of cyclists this year, suggesting there were more runners attempting multiple stages this year (although they should note that it is now a legal requirement to wear a helmet).

Many of the runners I met were happy that they had recorded good times with the cooler conditions conducive to favourable speeds

None of this would be possible without the hundreds of volunteers who brave whatever conditions the day brings. I’m sure the vast majority will be hoarse by the end of the day having barked instructions.

Ultimately, it is all about charity. Organisers, the Bahrain Round Table, looked to have surpassed last year’s total by raising close to BD30,000 which will be distributed to several local charities, meaning that they have probably exceeded BD1m since the inaugural event.

I think I will have to start training with the editor for next year. Maybe!