Children got their chance to shine as they joined hundreds of adults in the first race of Aspire Zone’s second annual Aquathon series. Featuring a swim in the Aspire Dome pool and a run around Aspire Zone, the Aquathon saw 57 juniors under the age of 17 finish the race.
Ryley Douglas, an 11 year old participant, said: “It was tough, but I had a lot of fun. I love exercising and being active, especially outside. I’ve signed up for the whole series, and I’m really looking forward to the next race.”
Diogo Heiter won the boys division in a time of 11:15 in the 10 and 11 age group category, whilst Chelsea Kenneally was the fastest girl with a time of 10:54.
In the 12 and 13 age group category, Kyle Doherty was the fastest boy in 19:30, and Shamilah Halford was the fastest girl in 21:46.
Returning competitor Tom Whateley won the open race for men with a time of 27:36, whilst Alicia MacLennan was the fastest in the women’s event with a time of 32:21.
Nicholas Soroka, a participant in the team category, praised the initiative: “I’ve been lucky enough to take part in a few other events at Aspire, all of which I have loved. I competed in the Aquathon last year, which is why I’m back again this year. It has given me something to train towards.” There was an overwhelming response from the public with over 250 individuals from 42 different nationalities signing up for the popular event.
The second race is scheduled to take place on November 9 and registration is available through www.aspirezone.qa/events .
The series includes five races, each of which consist of a 500m swim followed by a 5km run around the picturesque Aspire Park. In an attempt to encourage younger athletes to participate, the junior division boasts two modified circuits; the 10-11 year old age category (junior 2) is comprised of a 100m swim and 1.5km run, whilst the 12-13 year old age category (junior 3) features a 200m swim and 3km run.
The Aquathon is organized by Aspire Logistics and is designed to help improve one’s cardiovascular fitness, as well as their overall health. Subsequently, the overall aim of the Aquathon is to support Aspire Zone’s vision to encourage a healthy lifestyle through fun and popular physical activities such as, running and swimming. The Peninsula
