The Inaugural Dubai T100

Over the weekend, 30 InnerFight athletes joined over 1,900 triathletes from around the globe at the beach for the inaugural T100 World Championships. Participants took on either the Sprint race or the full distance of a 2km swim, 80km bike, and 18km run. Having not raced a long-course triathlon in many years—and with the buzz of this race on our doorstep—I dusted off the trisuit for a morning of lactate-fueled fun!

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The swim course featured a beautiful two-loop route, with waves of brightly coloured swim caps thrashing through the water in times ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The bike course offered a challenging yet rewarding ride, full of overpasses and tight 180-degree turns. The run tested every athlete's endurance with its varied terrain, sharp turns, and short but powerful ramp climbs.

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Conditions were as you'd expect from a November morning—a gentle breeze on the bike that posed little challenge and was just enough to offset the rising desert heat. By the run, the heat was in full "oven mode," with athletes soaking themselves with bottled water, sponges, and ice to stay cool.

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For our gym and endurance team, this race was more than just an event; it was a celebration of bringing long-course racing back to Dubai after the 70.3 event ended four years ago. All 30 of our athletes gave it their all, with many achieving personal bests in swim and conquering distances they'd never tackled.

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The sidelines were electric with cheers from our community, proving that no race is ever run alone. Whether holding signs, shouting encouragement, snapping photos and videos, or even offering a cheeky bum tap as we passed, the supporters played a pivotal role in the day's success. I stand firm that we had the biggest cheer squad out there. Not a single 2km stretch of the run without seeing a member of our community and hearing their encouragement!

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Reflecting on the event, it's clear that the T100 wasn't just about individual achievements. It was a testament to the power of shared goals, unwavering support, and the belief that we can overcome any challenge as a team. This is what endurance sports—and our community—are all about! #NoWeakness