Ace Bangladesh triathlete Mohammad Shamsuzzaman Arafat was lost for words while explaining his first experience of finishing the famous Berlin Marathon after completing two Ironman World Championship events in less than a month.
Knowing that the race is one of six world marathon major events, Arafat set his plans accordingly to make his debut in its 49th edition after Ironman World Championship in France and Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Finland.
“Berlin Marathon was my long-term dream,” the triathlete posted on social media Monday where he described his maiden experience.
“It’s really an extraordinary experience running Berlin Marathon. Thousands of people were cheering on the two sides of the 42.2km route. It’s a legendary race course.
“More than 47,000 runners from 156 countries came here to take part. I also met seven Bangladeshi runners (including 58-year old Shib Shankar Pal).”
Arafat found it “unbelievable” to touch the finishing line in 2 hours 51 minutes and 35 seconds.
“After completing two World Championships, this timing in the marathon is really unbelievable. I totally couldn’t believe it,” he wrote.
He took 1 hour and 35 minutes to complete 21.1km run during the Ironman 70.3 World Championship which also included swim and bike.
