The city of Sidon yesterday saw the launch of the Sidon Olympic Triathlon in a renewed edition, bringing together the charm of the sea and the spirit of athletic competition.
The event was held under the patronage of Army Commander General Rodolph Heikal, represented by Brigadier General Khaled Fawaz.
Khaled Affara attended on behalf of Sidon Mayor Mostafa Hijazi, along with Wissam Ismail, president of the Lebanese Triathlon Federation.
Major Hadi Al-Hajj Shehadeh and Major Ibrahim Khnaizer also took part in the ceremony, which was hosted at the military barracks.
The competition kicked off at 7 a.m. and consisted of three consecutive stages.
Participants began with a 1,500-meter swim from the historic Zire Island to the shore near the army base.
Athletes then moved on to a 40-kilometer cycling race.
The route ran along the Sidon coastal highway between Zaatari Mosque and the army base, over eight laps.
The final stage was a 10-kilometer run along the seafront, completed in two loops before reaching the finish line.
The Sidon Triathlon also allowed young athletes aged 12 to 15 to take part in a short triathlon race.
Children aged 11 and under competed in events designed especially for them, adding a family dimension to the event.
At the conclusion, organizers distributed prizes and trophies to the winners in both individual and relay competitions.
Participants praised the efforts of Mohammad Al-Rawas, as well as the coordination between the municipality, the federation, the army and security agencies in making the event a success — one that brought together people of all ages around sport on the city’s coast.
