Life & Work

Triathlon draws holidaymakers to Watamu resorts

BDTriathlonRace

Wildman Triathlon participants cycling during the 20- kilometre race. PHOTO | GEORGE KIKAMI.

Upon arrival at the Turtle Bay Beach Club in Watamu, the reception is full of visitors waiting to check in ahead of the triathlon the next day. Nestled along the coastal strip and next to the National Marine Park, Turtle Bay is known for the thousands of turtles that come to the shore to lay eggs and the triathlon which it has hosted for the seventh time.

The rooms have unique African furniture with the walls adorned with sculptured turtles. The triathlon consists of three different events; swimming, cycling, and running, one after the other.

Hotels in Kilifi are drawing holidaymakers not only with their beaches, but also with the Wildman Watamu Triathlon; unforgettable fun sport that is perfect for those looking for more than sand-bathing.

Triathlon holiday

Globally, hotels are giving tourists a chance to be on holiday and keep fit by participating in the three events; swimming, cycling and a marathon. Some holiday makers are even swapping luxury spa hotels in the Maldives for a triathlon holiday.

“When potential holiday makers look for hotels they search for something different. This is the seventh time we are hosting the triathlon and many local and international guests look forward to it,” said Sabine Purees, the marketing manager at Turtle Bay.

At Turtle Bay, dinner is served at seven and everyone is advised to sleep early as the games are scheduled to start at 6am the next day, before the scorching sun drains the energy of participants.

The event consisted of 750 metres swimming at the ocean which overlooks Turtle Bay resort, 20 kilometres cycling on the main road and finishing with a five-kilometres marathon on the beach. More than 50 people participated in the challenge.

For those tough enough, they had the option of running for 10 kilometres in the Olympic race. I manage to finish in the swimming and cycling race, but running on the sandy beach was not as easy as I thought; so I threw in the towel.

One hour and eight minutes later, the winner Swaleh Balala crossed the finish line with cheers. Mr Balala has participated in the triathlon four times and won a medal in all the races.

“This is a nice way for me to be on holiday and also do what I like most in a natural environment away from the confines of a gym,” he said.

Other destinations

The triathlon was started by the Wildman company. Vincent Ochieng’, the race director says they organise such events in various tourist destinations including Nairobi and Eldoret, activities that give visitors a chance to live an active lifestyle even when on holiday.

If you are on triathlon holiday with your children, they don’t have to be left in the room. Hotels organise triathlons for children as young as five years. They also offer triathlon training holidays before competing in the race.

“There is no need to wind up a good holiday knowing at the back of your mind you have gained more calories, complete your holiday feeling fresh, relaxed and most importantly fit,” said Mr Ochieng’.

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