Hundreds of Doha residents are keeping fit and active this summer with swimming and running sessions at the Aspire Zone.

Since its launch in June to coincide with Ramadan and the summer months, the superb ‘Splash and Dash’ evening sessions have proven their popularity with amateurs and experienced athletes alike. In recent weeks the high demand for places at the sessions has even caused the Aspire Zone to add an extra late-night class just to accommodate all those wishing to take part.

Open to men, women and children of all athletic abilities, the hour-long meets are taking place every Sunday and Wednesday between 7.30pm – 11pm and are set to continue until the end of August. The just-for-fun sessions offer all participants the chance to exercise at their own pace inside the state-of-the-art Aspire Dome Swimming Pool and the air-conditioned Indoor Athletics Track.

Those who have taken part in the Splash and Dash classes cite different reasons behind their attendance. For 48-year-old British expat Simon Halford, the sessions are a “fantastic opportunity” to spend some quality time with his wife and children. Commenting on the Splash and Dash initiative, Simon said: “As a bit of a fitness-conscious family, the classes are really helping us to stay in shape during the summer months. Splash and Dash is a fantastic program and I really applaud the Aspire Zone for hosting it.”

For others, meanwhile, the meets are an ideal chance to prepare ahead of Aspire’s upcoming Aquathon and Triathlon series. To cater for these participants, the Aspire Zone has asked top South African open water swimmer Phillip Emslie to attend some of the sessions and offer his advice. Over the next few weeks Emslie will also be offering separate, structured triathlon and endurance training sessions to all participants who fancy testing themselves.

Those looking to attend the ‘Splash and Dash’ classes have the chance to register on-the-spot at the Aspire Dome between 7pm – 9pm every Sunday and Wednesday. Once signed up, the new-registrants can then join in the fun straightaway.

For more information or to register online for any of the sessions, visit www.lifeinaspire.qa

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