By Khalifa Hemed
Published June 21, 2018
Organisers of Kenya’s national triathlon and duathlon sports series have announced a change in the dates of the events.
Team Tri Fit Kenya (TTF) says it will now organise not three but two race challenges annually.These TTF says, are the
Diani Triathlon and Duathlon scheduled for November 24, 2018 and the Kericho Off-Road Triathlon and Duathlon that is set for March 30, 2019.
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Saying the series is now an event that should not be missed by participants, spectators, partners and friends, Michael Owora, Team Manager for TTF, says the race series has a ‘new and exciting route for the bike and run, several cash prizes for winners, vouchers from partners and an entertaining post-event barbecue party.’
“It is my hope that the above motivates you to train harder for the Diani Triathlon and Duathlon Challenge dubbed the ‘fastest triathlon in East Africa’,” Owora says in a statement to the media. “Over the last three years, we have witnessed a 20% increase in attendance at TTF races while our training programmes have been taken up by over fifty (50) individuals in this period. We believe this is a big win for the sport as more individuals are now actively training and participating in events locally and internationally.”
Owora says TTF is acting according to the findings of the evaluation of its operations that takes into consideration ‘participant, spectator and partner feedback as well as current socio-economic trends and developments in the local triathlon circuit’.
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The evaluation, that Owora says was conducted in May 2018, made the following conclusions and recommendations:
- Increase In Local Events – With the steady rise in organisations hosting similar events across the country, we have witnessed a rise in race duplication and conflicting dates leaving participants in a twist. With our desire to complement and not compete in the already small market, TTF has reworked the dates of its events to ensure no clash or competition occurs
- Participant Strain – We have a small triathlon and duathlon community and with the upsurge in local events, there is a risk of putting mental, physical and financial fatigue on participants, sponsors, spectators and partners. To avoid this and give ample recovery time, we chose to restructure our calendar
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Weather Patterns – with weather predictions stating that the months of July, August and September will be very cold, the restructuring allows TTF to host its races in warmer climate thus making them enjoyable for all; and- Event Professionalism – TTF seeks to offer world class race experiences and with the feedback gathered, we have gone back to the drawing board to ensure this comes to pass. To achieve this we have restructured our race distances, timing calculation and volunteering. Furthermore, we have taken time to improve the spectator experience during and after the event with the aim of offering you a fun, quality, safe and professional race experience.
Based on the above listed conclusions and recommendations, TTF says the races will be hosted on Saturday afternoon instead of the early Sunday morning starts most participants are accustomed to.
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