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3. ATCL Aquathlon: Ouzalay Leads, Arabghian Right on Target

In Kaslik, the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon hosted the 7th edition of its aquathlon in the calm waters of Jounieh Bay: a 7 AM start, clear water, and a rising sun. The program featured 3.2 km of swimming from Jounieh to Tabarja, followed by 11.6 km of running from Tabarja back to Jounieh. At the finish line, Ouzalay won the men’s race in 1h40’52”, while Arabghian dominated the women’s field in 2h12’01”.  

Setting and Organization

Under the supervision of the Lebanese Triathlon Federation and in cooperation with the municipalities of Jounieh, Ghazir, and Tabarja, ATCL delivered clean, well-coordinated logistics, secured by law enforcement, Civil Defense, and the Lebanese Red Cross. The event featured a ceremonial send-off at the club, clear swim lanes, smooth transitions, and a “bay out-and-back” format that rewarded smart race strategy.

Race Report

The swim set the tone, and the run decided everything. Up front, Ouzalay maintained his rhythm all the way to the pavement and held the lead through the final ramp to the finish. Behind him, Hussein Hejazi fought hard for second place (1h51’35”), followed closely by Bilal Koukimai, third by just five seconds (1h51’40”). In the women’s race, Klia Arabghian made her move on the return to Jounieh. Rafqa Aoun took silver (2h15’08”), and Joy Abboud completed the podium (2h16’52”).

Youth Categories Shine

The youth format highlighted the next generation. In the 12–15 girls’ supersprint, the leading trio finished as Mia Sahyoun ahead of Chloé Hanna and Esprelita Keshishian. In the 12–15 boys’ supersprint, Mohammad Chahrour won, followed by Adam Ghoteis and Matteo Chbeib. In the 16–18 boys’ race, the podium featured Jawad Younes, then Elio Chbeib, and Samir Ghoteis.

The relay race enjoyed strong participation: in the mixed category, victory went to Cyril Pierrot with Tania Laham, followed by Anthony Bassil & Christa Rahme, then Alan Jarjoura & Tania Kanaan. In the men’s relay, Ali Jabbak with Ali Ezzedine finished ahead of Manuel Mano with Jad Sakr, then Edgar Nmeir with Jeremy Touma. Among the women, the winners were Yara Melki with Candice Jarjoura.

In the age groups, the field raced hard. In women 19–29, Rafqa Aoun led ahead of Rim Zarjouzi; in men, Mohamed Sayed Rassas won ahead of Hadi Kaafarani and Elie Yazbek. In women 30–39, Joy Abboud claimed victory; in men, the podium was Hussein Hejazi, Elie Debbas, and Mohamed Sayed Hussein. In women 40–49, victory went to Joyella Katouaa; in men, Ouzalay led ahead of Mansour Hussein and Hani Mehio. In women 50+, Nicole Elias won ahead of Lina Saloumi and Myrna Khayat; in men 50+, Koukimai topped Walid Karam and Maurice Massaad.

Also noteworthy was the “disability challenge” relay, won by Fadi Homsi with Michael Chazal.

Honor Roll

Men’s overall:

1. Karol Ouzalay 1h40’52”
    
2. Hussein Hejazi 1h51’35”
    
3. Bilal Koukimai 1h51’40”
    

Women’s overall:

1. Klia Arabghian 2h12’01”
    
2. Rafqa Aoun 2h15’08”
    
3. Joy Abboud 2h16’52”
    

Salty sunrise, full-throttle return: ATCL delivered a flawless out-and-back, with Ouzalay and Arabghian in bold letters — and the bay is already calling for the next race.