The final race of the Ashurst Sprint Aquathlon series takes place on Saturday, May 3, and there’s still time to sign up before registrations close on Tuesday.
Open for ages 11 and above, the sprint distance aquathlon is an achievable distance for those new to the sport.
Taking place at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort in Dubai, the aquathlon will consist of a 750m swim (excluding the mini category – 375m) in the sheltered sea of the Marina, followed by a 5km (2.5km for mini and junior categories) run around the perimetre of the resort.
“This is the third and final race of the series and it will be good for people who swim and run and want to make that first move into a multi-discipline sport,” said Paul Venn, race director at ME Race Events.
“We usually get around 80 and 100 people and the venue is basically what drives people to come back every time.
“The venue is very race friendly and you can swim in the flat waters, which is great for people who don’t swim much. It’s a mix of running on flat and sand so it’s challenging, but anyone can take part."
There are different age categories and levels from mini (up to 11 years), junior (12 to 15), youth (16 to 18), open (19-39), veteran (40 to 49) and super-veteran (50 and over).
“This is the first time we’ve opened the event to juniors. One of the reasons why we added a new age category for the youngsters was a parent wanted her kids to swim and run in a very safe and controlled environment, and we want many young people to take up this sport,” said Venn.
While the aquathlon can be competed individually, the event also provides the opportunity to pair up as a team.
“The great thing about this event is that it gives you the opportunity to do it as a team. You can do the swim and someone else can do the run or vice versa. “In the past, I’ve done it with my son and a lot of families do it together,” said Venn.
While aquathlon events continue to grow around the world, Venn emphasises that participating is more important than winning.
“Just register yourself and come and do it,” said Venn. “We will have lifeguards in the water and safety officers on track.
“People say ‘I can’t swim 375m' but it doesn’t matter, we have had people who take a long time swimming. It’s not easy, but it’s achievable.
“It provides the opportunity to get out and be active and an attempt at getting people to be fit.”
Entry fees are Dh100 for kids, Dh150 for adults, while teams will pay Dh200.
What: Ashurst Sprint Aquathlon
When: Saturday, May 3
Where: Jebel Ali Golf Resort, Dubai
Contact: Register at www.premieronline.com, or for more information visit www.race-meevents.com
