Khorfakkan tests grit of over 5,000 participants
- Last updated: February 9, 2025 | 11:43
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) Tigers Challenge organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau today, Saturday, in Khorfakkan, attracted more than 5,000 participants and supporters in different categories and endurance levels in the largest obstacle race in the country.
The OCR Tigers Challenge, staged amidst the picturesque nature and the early morning breeze of Khorfakkan, the Bride of the East Coast, witnessed enthusiastic participation from adventure enthusiasts who took part in various exciting competitions targeting various age groups, over multiple distances. While adults raced over 4 kilometres and 8 kilometres, children’s races were in the range of 600 metres and 1,200 metres.
The OCR Challenge included a variety of obstacles designed to test physical strength and endurance of participants who competed in an atmosphere of infectious enthusiasm, excitement and positive energy. Participants also negotiated the challenges of climbing walls, barbed wire barriers, crawling, running and swinging with ropes and were divided into two main categories for adults and children starting from the age of four.
Cash prizes were allocated to the winners of the first places in the 8 km race. The first prize winners in the men's and women's category received $2,000 , while the runners-up in the second and third place received $1,000 and $500 respectively.
The first prize winners in the 400-km category, both men and women, received $750, while the runners-up in the second and third place received $500 and $250.
Speaking on the occasion, Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, stressed that hosting of the OCR Challenge stems from the emirate's vision to promote a healthy sports culture and make sports part of the daily lifestyle of Sharjah's residents and visitors. Allay expressed his pleasure over the huge turnout for the sporting spectacle, which reflects the community's interest in sports and physical activity.
The SGMB Director General pointed out the importance of these sporting activities to encourage individuals of all ages to challenge themselves physically and mentally and add new accomplishments to their credit in an environment full of positive energy, promote a healthy lifestyle and spread the culture of sports among all segments of society.
The race participants and spectators also thanked the organisers and lauded the successful organisation of the event in cooperation with a number of sponsors supporting community sports, with the aim of enhancing Khorfakkan's position as a distinguished sports destination at the state level.
They pointed out the world-class professional facilities and equipment organised for race and the sporting spirit of challenge and the races that were designed for various fitness levels and ages of the participants, which made the race an exceptional experience for everyone.
The OCR Challenge championship attracted support of a number of government and private entities, including Sharjah Police General Command, Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, Khorfakkan Hospital, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, Zulal Water Factory, Sharjah Social Services Department, Khorfakkan City Municipality, Khorfakkan Club, Bee'ah Group, Sharjah Sports Council, University of Sharjah, Sharjah International Marine Sports Club and Oceanic Hotel.
Diversity and endurance
The first race targeting adults included two categories – a 4-km race with 15 challenges and an 8-km race with 20 challenges, as well as a 400-metre race with 10 obstacles.
The open race for children aged 4 to 14 years was divided into two categories, a 600-metre race for children aged 4 to 6 years and a 1200-metre race for children aged 7 to 14 years.
The city of Khorfakkan on Sharjah’s east coast is known for its natural beauty and numerous tourist, cultural and sports attractions. The city is loved for its moderate climate, spectacular coastline and beaches, mountains, valleys and waterfalls.