Zurich: Ahmed Zachariah Faizal, known as Zach, an Indian athlete based in the UAE, showcased outstanding performance in the renowned Ironman 70.3 triathlon race held in Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland.
Organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), the grueling event encompasses a demanding course consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run, covering a total distance of 70.3 miles (113.0 km).
Zach's achievement in the race was the result of meticulous preparation and unwavering dedication. He dedicated over six months to rigorous training in order to participate in the prestigious event. His commitment and perseverance were rewarded when he crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 6 hours and 22 minutes. Completion times for a 70.3 distance event vary among athletes, influenced by factors such as course terrain, elevation changes, weather conditions, and overall race conditions. Finish times range from sub-four-hour finishes by elite athletes to the common race cut-off time of 8 hours and 30 minutes after the start.
The Ironman 70.3 race in Rapperswil-Jona witnessed the participation of approximately 3,000 athletes from various countries worldwide. Among them, Ahmed Zachariah Faizal stood out as one of the three Indian participants. Notably, a substantial portion of the athletes competing were in their 40s and above, with 20% of the participants being over 60 years old.
Zach is an alumnus of the University of Surrey in London, UK. He earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering and has made a mark with his venture called PEEC Mobility. It is a company that approaches electric mobility with innovation, focusing on repurposing retired vehicles as an alternative to manufacturing new electric vehicles (EVs). His mission revolves around accelerating the green transition by designing and producing petrol-to-electric transitions, with a particular emphasis on repurposing large-scale fleets worldwide. The company aims to achieve financial viability while making a significant positive impact on the environment.
Ahmed Zachariah Faizal is the son of Faizal Kottikollon and Shabana Faizal, a prominent entrepreneurial couple based in the UAE. Known not only for their business ventures but also for their philanthropic endeavors, the couple has made significant contributions to various causes. Shabana, originally from Mangaluru, is the daughter of the late B Ahmed Haji Mohiudeen, a respected businessman and socio-religious leader who established the esteemed BA Group of Businesses in Thumbay.