Dubai: It’s not every day that you come across an event that embraces many wonderful things. But the Sunman for Rich race last weekend was just that. It was as much about fun and leisure as it was about integrity and honesty, spirit of community and sportsmanship. Above all, it was a kind gesture to let a UAE road accident victim know he hasn’t been forgotten.
On October 11, 2012, 32-year-old triathlete Richard Holland was hit by a car in Dubai while riding his bike. He sustained severe brainstem injuries that resulted in locked-in syndrome (LIS), a condition in which one is aware and awake, but cannot move or communicate except with the eyes due to muscle paralysis.
As Rich, now in his hometown in South Africa, grapples with his condition, over 100 of his supporters did what for many of them was a first. Between June 27 and 29 they covered a triathlon Ironman (IM) distance – full or half – in an experimental variation called Sunman for Rich, initiated by South African triathlete Trace Rogers in the UAE’s desert heat.
“There are many people who want to take part in the IM but find it a daunting challenge. The Sunman gives them a chance to experiment with distance races while sparing a thought for Rich,” said Trace.
Honour run
The IM distance involves a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and a 42.2km run. Similarly, a half IM distance covers a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and 21.1km run.
The Sunman is different. “Our event was based on an honour system and participants could do it anywhere and break it up any way they wanted over three days,” said Trace.
Explaining the format, Brett Smyth, 32, a Dubai-based triathlete, said: “In this digital age of the ‘cloud’, people can participate in events no matter where they are in the world with results being uploaded online. Sunman for Rich followed a similar format. Participants from as far afield as South Africa and Switzerland, besides the UAE completed either a full or half ironman distance and submitted their results online. Everyone was a winner simply by participating.”
With no external monitoring, it was up to the participants to be honest about their progress. “If you cheated, you would only be cheating yourself,” said Trace.
Smyth did a half IM in a day: the 90km bike ride at Al Qudra in three hours and 20 minutes, the 1.9km swim at Hamdan Sports Complex in 35 minutes and the 21.1km run in Springs in two hours.
Trace said the response to the event was overwhelming. “It was a hugely successful weekend with participants checking in and sharing their experiences. Rich’s mum Judy Rothchild also kept informing Rich about our progress and relayed messages from him to the athletes.”
Smyth said: “The local sporting community participated en-masse to show their support for Rich. This was made extra special by all the other athletes that joined us from around the world (many of whom once lived in the UAE). Rich has inspired many people during his long recovery journey and many athletes commented that their thoughts turned to Rich when the going got tough.”
As for Rich’s progress, Trace said: “He has gained a little movement in his fingers and toes and is communicating with his eyes. He is also eating a lot better now.”
