- 11
- Dec.
- 2023
Strong gusts of wind, waves with a lively, swirling energy orchestrated by the capricious autumn winds, intermittent rain followed by timid rays of sunshine — the stage was set for the launch of the first edition of Amphibian by Sevag, which took place at the port of Amchit at the end of November.
Amphibian is an innovative obstacle course concept, the first of its kind in Lebanon, inspired by former swimming and water polo champion Sevag Demerjian and developed in collaboration with SWIM and IceTeam. An obstacle course race (OCR) is a type of running sporting event with a distance of one or more kilometers to cover and along which obstacles of the "obstacle course" type are placed to test the speed, endurance, strength, coordination, and agility of the participants. It can be easy or technical, and sometimes even amusing or delirious, and can take place in the mountains or at sea, on asphalt, a beach, mud, or snow.
Around the world, this concept is offered by numerous franchises that design and organize races: La Frappadingue, The Mud Day, Warrior Dash, Spartan Race, So Mad, Tough Mudder, La Ruée des Fadas, and others. The idea has even been adapted for TV shows, the best-known of which is American Ninja Warrior. There are even world and European OCR championships.
In Amchit, the "Amphibian" participants had to overcome several challenges on land and in the sea, making the event a high-intensity cardio workout with 23 obstacles spread over a one-kilometer course. From the outset, the atmosphere was electric with contagious excitement. The course, dotted with a variety of obstacles creating a symphony of physical and mental challenges, unfolded like a labyrinth, starting from the harbor and winding through the neighboring lanes. Participants set off feverishly, ready to tackle every obstacle in their path. They had to jump over obstacles, carry or move tires, dive and swim, crawl under barbed wire, climb a 70-step staircase, go over walls, cross tunnel pipes, beams, or slacklines...
No obstacle had to be overcome. If a participant didn't have the physical or mental strength to take on a challenge, they could bypass it, albeit with a penalty such as a series of push-ups. The atmosphere was both competitive and collaborative: cheers went up and down, and hands were outstretched to help others over the toughest obstacles. After a few minutes, fatigue set in, but adrenalin and willpower propelled the participants forward, each finding within himself the strength to overcome the difficulties. Each obstacle cleared is a personal victory, and the finish line becomes the symbol of this collective achievement, where camaraderie and the spirit of mutual aid transcend the competition.
There's no timing, no podium; "the aim is to complete the course, to surpass yourself, and to push your physical limits," says Lisa Sofian of the SWIM association. Over 160 participants, including a large number of women, took up the challenge in a relaxed, sporting atmosphere and were rewarded with a souvenir medal for the event.
"Participants are there for the fun, the challenge, and the performance," adds Sevag, who is at the helm to encourage and motivate the participants. "This successful first experience paves the way for further editions and spurs us on to continue this exciting adventure."
The concept is proving increasingly popular around the world, promising a bright future for this type of inclusive and stimulating event in Lebanon.
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