EVENT REPORT
The Middle East’s first man-made whitewater rafting, kayaking and surfing destination, Wadi Adventure hosted the 10th edition of their iconic Wadi Adventure Race series (W.A.R.10), on October 31, 2015. Arriving at the crack of dawn, over 700 local and international participants with the youngest being 16 and the oldest 61 years of age, were all geared up and ready for W.A.R.10, which consisted of three different, gruelling obstacle courses (5km, 10km and 15km) that set the challengers running, crawling, climbing, swinging and swimming their way to the finish line. The event was attended by HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum who not only awarded the winners but were also seen sportingly participating in the race. The race also witnessed participation of the UAE Representative at the Ministry of Interior in the United States, National Athlete and Abu Dhabi Police Instructor Mr. Rashid Butti Al Qubaisi who bagged the second position in the second in the 15k category. The event kicked-off with participants signing and receiving their goodie bags and electronic timing chips followed by a quick warm–up session conducted by the main sponsor, Fitness 360 before heading towards the starting point at the Red Bull Arch. “It’s awesome to see how much the Wadi Adventure Race has grown in the past four years” commented Gina Capenhurst, Events Manager for Wadi Adventure. “With each passing year we try to add something new and exciting and this year was no different. With three different race distances and nine different categories to choose from, whether the competitors wanted to race to win or just enjoy themselves with friends, W.A.R.10 had something for everyone!’’
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum and on inset: Sheikh Mohamed Bin Nahyan both present during the event.
The Wadi Adventure Race series is the most affordably priced obstacle race in the country, making it accessible for everyone with registrations starting from 275 AED; inclusive of a special race t-shirt, goodies bag, post–race snacks, raffle draws and an all-day admission to Wadi Adventure. 18 podium finishers from the Men and Women categories also received over 45,000 AED worth of prizes. Don’t miss out W.A.R.11 which is taking place on January 16, 2016 by registering at www.premieronline.com, or calling Wadi Adventure on +971 (3) 7818 422. W.A.R.10 Sponsors included: Fitness 360 (Main Sponsor), Al Ain Municipality, Al Ain Distribution Company, Al Noor Hospital, Eastern Motors LLC, Daman-Active Life, Red Bull, Ain Al Fayda One to One Hotels & Resorts, Al Ain Water, Al Ain Raceway,
Mercure Grand Jabel Hafeet Hotel, Future Life, McCain, Global Eye, Hilton Hotel, Al Ain and Danat Al Ain Resort Hotel. Volunteers: Al Ain Rugby Club and Mawalef Volunteers. Media: The Source, OutdoorUAE, Al Dafrah TV, Kabayan, Hype magazine and Dubai Life TV. WINNERS MEN 5K Podium 1st Place: David Grapengeter 2nd Place: Abdullah Al Kaabi 3rd Place: Khalid Busherin 10K Podium 1st Place: Hallvard Borsheim 2nd Place: Ruan Ferreira 3rd Place: Saoud Jumaa Jassim 15K Podium 1st Place: Zajko Borko 2nd Place: Rashed Butti Al Qubeisi 3rd Place: Rob Jones WINNERS WOMEN 5K Podium 1st Place: Malin Ehrman-Sylvander 2nd Place: Elizabeth Kelleher 3rd Place: Alex Cook 10K Podium 1st Place: Holly Stapleton 2nd Place: Franciska Reynolds 3rd Place: Hanlie Signorini 15K Podium 1st Place: Michelle Jones 2nd Place: Sara Aouad 3rd Place: Cara Smith