Take the plunge at Go Sport Aquathlon

Denzil Pinto 11:41 28/01/2015
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  • Ready, steady, go: Competitors at the start of a previous GO Sport Aquathlon.

    Hundrerds of athletes will charge into the water off Dubai’s iconic Palm this weekend for the first GO Sport Sharbatly Fruit Aquathlon – and there is still time for you to join them.

    – High-tech training simulator set to be introduced to the UAE 

    The deadline for registrations passes at 20:00 on Friday night ahead of the action getting underway at the Fairmont Hotel at 07:00 on Saturday. 

    Already more than 200 people have signed up and many more are expected to take part in this latest addition to the popular series.

    Sanctioned by Dubai Sports Council and Nakheel, the race caters for all ages and abilities with with four different categories. 

    The Junior Super Sprint, for 12 years and under, will consist of a 200m swim followed by a 2.5km run; while the Super Sprint (375m swim and 2.5km run) has two age classes for individuals (13 to 18 and 19-plus) or can be run as a relay.

    The Sprint distance – 750m swim and 5km run – has five age groups ranging from 18 right up to 50 and over.

    And for experienced athletes who want to test themselves, there is also an Olympic category which comprises a 1.5km swim followed by a 10km run.

    Organisers Super Sports Events also offer a 50 per cent discount on the total entry if a family of four or more enter the race.

    Warren van der Merwe, race organiser said: “We are delighted to have a new venue for this series at Fairmont, The Palm, where the swim leg will take place in front of the resort and athletes will then make the transition in to their running gear before making their way to the 2.7km running track which is in the centre of The Palm. 

    Stay the distance: The Aquathlon starts with a swim before finishing with a road race.

    “All finishers will receive complimentary access to the beach club facilities for the day and will also receive 25 per cent discount on food and beverages as well as any friends or family members who would like to join them.”

    Phil Bartle, director of recreation at the hotel, added: “With a little bit of training everyone who knows how to swim and run can do a race like this and it is the perfect way to test your ability in water and on land. 

    “I will be entering many of our lifeguards and recreation staff as it will be a very good way to motivate and keep them in shape and offer some friendly competition.”

    And Matteo Zavarise, general manager of Sharbatly Fruit, is delighted to be associated with the race. He said: “Sharbatly Fruit have been supporting all of the Super Sports races for the past two seasons and it’s great to see how they have grown.”

    What: Sharbatly Fruit Aquathlon Series Race One
    Where: The Fairmont Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
    When: Saturday, January 31 at 07:00
    Contact: To register visit www.supersportsevents.me (registration closes on Friday, 20:00).

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