Simulated Race from 2008 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Winner, Kaymer's Home Town to Abu Dhabi
Distance based on individual's performances on Health Club Cardiovascular Machines
Dhabi, UAE - Abu Dhabi Golf Club (ADGC) - run by world-renowned luxury-brand golf management company, Troon Golf - saw over 20 competitors take part in the 5,000km Race to the Capital - a contest in which participants can walk, run, cycle or cross-train the 'distance' between Abu Dhabi and Dusseldorf, Germany in a race against each other.
The starting city is the home town of golfing wunderkind, Martin Kaymer - the winner of the US$ 2 million PGA Tour-backed Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2008, which was staged at the club's flagship 18 hole National course in January this year.
To make the competition feasible for contestants, ADGC developed a ratio system whereby 1km travelled on the machines equated to 10km in real terms.
Competition to clinch top honours in the Race was fierce, with Abu Dhabi resident Lorraine Logan completing the distance in the quickest time of just 10 days - which averages out to 500 virtual kilometres per day or approximately a round trip from Abu Dhabi to Ajman.
In second place, covering the route in 15 days was Andrew Mcquattie, and in third was Kimihiro Shimozono, who took 22 days to finish.
Speaking on her victory, Logan, who won the top prize of a two night stay for two at the Radisson SAS Dubai Creek, said: "When you think about it, it is quite daunting. I ran from Europe to Abu Dhabi in just three weeks...incredible. When I first took up the challenge, I just thought that I would get my head down and do it. And that's what I did. It is a real personal achievement."
Taking place over 60 days, contestants moved their markers on a specially-designed map, which correlates the distance they travelled after each session. Competitors could change their selected machines as and when they like throughout the event.
And with a good response to the competition, ADGC hopes to make the Race to the Capital an annual event.
"This competition provided fitness enthusiasts of all levels an exciting new challenge to test their abilities away from the sweltering summer heat. Racing from Germany to the UAE is a huge undertaking and the competitors have truly pushed themselves to new limits to achieve this. Everyone taking part in the Race to the Capital should be proud of their accomplishments," said Nik Robinson, Director of Sales & Marketing, ADGC.
"We hope to make this an annual event, with a new starting city each time. Where depends on who takes the title at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. So we could see the racing beginning in a host of countries around the world; given that the Championship has a truly international line-up."
The 2008 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship boasted a star studded field including over a third of the world's top 25 names - such as Australia's Adam Scott, Ireland's Padraig Harrington, Swedish number one, Henrik Stenson, and the English trio of Luke Donald, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood - with an increased international field expected for the 2009 showcase.
As the home of the European PGA Tour 'curtain raiser', which is gearing up for its fourth edition, the ADGC is integral to the vision of spearheading the UAE capital onto the international golf tourism arena while providing world-class facilities to golfing residents in the emirate and the country.
The Race to the Capital is sponsored by Radisson SAS and Isostar. All competitors taking part in the gruelling journey received an Isostar water bottles and caps.
- Ends -
About Abu Dhabi Golf Club:
An oasis of tranquillity and beauty carved out of the desert, just 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 15 minutes from the city centre, the Abu Dhabi Golf Club boasts world-class golfing facilities, a striking clubhouse with three floors of restaurants, a fully equipped executive meeting room, an extensive sports and fitness club and is home to the European PGA Tour Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.
The Abu Dhabi Golf Club is a member of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) which aims to promote a high standard of professionalism within the golf holiday industry.
Extensive practice facilities include putting greens, chipping greens, practice bunkers, and a 350 metre driving range - the largest in the Arabian Gulf. Personal coaching is available at the club's golf academy. Extensive leisure facilities include a free-form swimming pool, tennis and squash courts and a health club with a sauna, spa and jacuzzi.
The iconic clubhouse is designed in the shape of a falcon swooping down on a golf ball and the building has been described as "awesome", "amazing" and "extraordinary".
For more information, please contact:
Euan Megson/ Sam Dulka
MCS/Action.
Tel: +9714 390 2960; fax: +9714 390 8161
Email: euan.m@actionprgroup.com / sam.d@actionprgroup.com
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Website: www.adgolfclub.com
© Press Release 2008
