When & Where

“Have loudspeaker outside. My wife went to support me and said when she looked up I was disappearing round the top of the stairs and she didn't know I was even about to start. This was ok for competitors but not great for spectators. tell them they can view up on the landing area. I think the press weren't too aware of this either. Last year as a 'slow coach' there were plenty of pics. This year we beat the photographers up there. (I think they had a rough night!, but did they know where and how quickly they needed to get up there ? Did you have a lucky draw (raffle), I did not see one and this brings the non competitive athlete more into the excitement of the prize giving. Did Puma still sponsor the event? Last year the shoes were of great interest in the stair well, with a bit of imagination that type of trick can be reworked (eg how many yellow shoes this year?) Sport sponsors are great as athletes and wannabe athletes like getting sport related prizes, even if small and inexpensive. This kind of raffle keeps people around for the prize giving It would be good if the commentator knew just a BIT about other competitors, especially those visiting Dubai for the event. This years and last years first 2 were visitors. One is a professional on the North Face adventure race team. this years winner already did Hawaii Ironman as only a 22 year old student. 3 of them have already done Empire State race twice (2 have achieved top 10's there) Perhaps the website can distinguish between Dubai resident and visiting athlete. These make interesting stats and help those who trained hard realise they were beaten by experts who make a life out of this type of activity. LASTLY, if you enter as a team member you basically give up all other forms of human identity. There are some school team entries who should have received junior winner. They shouldn't be penalised for wanting to represent a team. The 4th position was a school boy (18) but only 4 seconds away from being fastest Dubai resident, give him some recognition. Not far behing him was another school boy (Junior) thanks for a good event and good food. Will be back.”

“All in all given the limitations of the event, it was 'ok'. A few things that could have been done better were, signing in procedure on the morning as it was a little chaotic. They only offered large or XL t-shirts for ladies! A bit disorganised at the starting line too. The finish line was so busy with people waiting for the lift, removing their timing chips etc. Maybe set up a timing chip station/drinks station etc away from the lift area? It was my first attempt and i'm glad i tried it. Thanks for the occasional blast of AC.”

“Thank you for a great start to day and amazing breakfast after!!!!”