It was an early start to the weekend for 26 members of the SJ community who participated in the inaugural SJ Duathlon on 11 June 2022.
Starting and ending at Hujjat Primary School in Brookshill, Harrow, the duathlon covered a 16km cycle ride around Pinner & Northwood (involving the popular SJ cycle loop) and a 5km run along Uxbridge Road.
This was the first duathlon organised by the club with the objective of bringing members across cycling and running together and challenging them with different activity. In line with SJ’s ethos of catering to all members, this was designed as a group-based duathlon, where participants completed the event in groups.
Brotherhood and community spirit were an integral part of the event, with everyone supporting and cheering each other on. The event ended with a medal ceremony, followed by wraps and hot chai, with participants staying on and having some good banter and building camaraderie.
We are grateful for our volunteers – Jamil Merali, Azeem Dossa and Muntazeer Rajwani – for helping ensure the event ran smoothly and to all participants for making the first SJ duathlon a success.
Reflections from our participants:
“Thank you SJ Cycling and Running for the exciting Duathlon 2022 event, which was well-organised, upholding the ethos of brotherhood, companionship and support for one another. Having never done anything like this before, I was initially apprehensive but than so glad that I rose up to the challenge and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you SJ.” Yusuf Nurmohhamed
“It was really fantastic – fun, good group, good bunch of people (and support) around, and it was (altogether) really good. Now that I have completed this, I am looking for my next challenge and considering the SJ AAWA Half-Marathon. Thank you, and I look forward to joining on the next one.” Shabbir Mulji.
As someone who barely cycles and doesn’t even own a road bike, I was initially quite apprehensive for the SJ Duathlon, however with lots of encouragement from the SJ running team, I signed up and honestly really enjoyed the event. Featuring participants of all fitness levels from the young to the “team wazee”, the event was very well organised and coordinated. The timely comms, regular updates and comprehensive info pack ensured we were all in the loop and set to take on the hills with cadence, enduring every stride to cross the finishing line with great team spirit. Huge credit to the SJ Duathlon team for their relentless efforts in planning this event and overdelivering! Special thanks to our selfless volunteers who seamlessly oversaw the entire event and rewarded us with some solid chai and breakfast in the end. Overall, it was an amazing experience with great banter and fun, capturing unity, brotherhood and community spirit. SJ continues to raise the bar! Sajjad Panju
“Ordinarily, when it comes to cycling and running, I wouldn’t have thought of signing up to an event like the SJ Duathlon. I felt encouraged when I read that all abilities were welcome plus SJ running and cycling leaders were constantly supportive pre-event. I’m glad I did as not only did I really enjoy the day and the camaraderie but – as a new cyclist and infrequent runner – I had a sense of achievement with a taste for more!” Hassan Pirbhai
