Ajman Triathlon: a local experience

Although living in the UAE for almost 15 years, I had 1) never been to Ajman and 2) never competed in any form of race there. So when the Ajman triathlon appeared on this year’s race calendar I thought why not? Let's give it a go!  

I had heard good reports from fellow triathletes of racing in Ajman so I was keen to see what it was like for myself. The event was hosted at the AlZora resort by Endurance Sports Services and I wasn’t disappointed. The race organization was very impressive with everything running to schedule. This was the second race in this seasons UAE Tri league put on the by the UAE Triathlon Federation. 

Being a local race Rianca and I decided to go local and stay up in Ajman for the night before the race. We picked the Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche which was pretty central Ajman, but still a 20 minute drive from the race venue. A cup of coffee will cost you AED 10! Clean and comfortable the hotel was 5 minutes walk from the hustle and bustle of the town where local restaurants and bakeries were plentiful. Great for a pre-race meal and a post-race breakfast. 

The swim was located in a sheltered bay offering a mirror flat course which was well marked. The water was a bizarre mixture of warm, boiling hot in places interspersed with the occasional cold pool. Sighting was no problem.

Swim entry and exit are via a pontoon which was not ideal but safe enough. 

Transition was really well organized with every athlete having their own plastic tray! Bike course was well set out, pancake flat and fast. For the Olympic it was four laps of 10km so it was tailor made for holding a strong average speed. 

Being by the sea the run was quite humid. A scenic 5km loop along the water side. By the finish the temperature and humidity had increased so I was pleased to get over the finish line.

A very friendly and well organized event. 

By David Hunt