Lebanon Water Festival and the Lebanese Surf Federation held the National Cup Race 2018 in Batroun at Colonel on Sunday 9th of September. Ali el Amine, President of the Lebanese Surf Association, which includes Stand Up Paddle, said "this was the best SUP race in Lebanon where top athletes competed face to face for the first time".
An overall of thirty five athletes entered the competition ran by Ali el Amine Head Race Director, Simon Khoury Timekeeper Manager, Annette Khoury Competition Manager, and Colonel Reef Co-Organizers. The race was held with South West winds blowing from 10 to 14 knots and forming a swell reaching hip height. These unfavorable conditions constrained judges to combine all races, down from the 10k to a 5k circuit, for men and women.
Sprint and endurance racers competed in the same 5k race, creating an extra challenge for all top racers, and lead to a tight and intense race. The public cheered loudly and gave each and every participants standing ovations. A second element of surprise was the last minute entry of Ahmad Mustafa Farhat, top lebanese athlete and winner of previous SUP races in 2016 and 2015. He had been injured and benefited from the postponement of the race from the 26th of August to the 9th of September.
After only 5 minutes, 4 strong racers pulled away from the group showing the real athletic side of Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Ahmad M. Farhat was leading the entire race up to 350 meters from the finish line. Then Jad Ghosn, under all odds, seized the cup with a 4.6 split seconds lead, just half the length of a board, scoring an impressive time of 42.30 minutes. During the race "I fell and ended up in 4th position, at which point I went out to use the waves and made my come back", explains Jad "I stayed behind Ahmad on purpose and gave it my all in the last 500 meters". Paul Abbas and Ziad Yazbeck fought neck and neck for the 3rd position, and although Paul Abbas managed to paddle up to 2nd place on the second round of the circuit, Ziad Yazbeck, a sprinter, finally took the podium with less than 1 minute behind Ahmad M Farhat.
On the women's side, last year's winner Diane Ferjane, came in first with 67.09 minutes. She gave the audience an outstanding performance, leading the women's race by 13.07 minutes, and came in 11th position in the overall men and women category. "I was apprehensive since there was a lot of women registered this year. I just kept my rhythm" says Diane with an inspiring "can-do" attitude. Diane Boulos initially looking forward to compete in the 10k race came in 2nd and Lara Ghosn, took the 3rd position although weather conditions were getting worse.
Lebanon Water Festival also brought to light young talents and upcoming Stand Up Paddlers. Eli Faress, participant of only 17 years old ranked 9th position and Ahmed Farhad only 16 years old came 19th out of a total of 22 men registered. "We will consider an under 18 category for next years National Cup" says Ali el Amine.
After the exertion the relation, and Colonel Reef was the perfect location to do so. The staff helped create a positive and joyful atmosphere adding to the hole event.
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