MetaSprint Series Aquathlon DIGITAL – Event Report
The MetaSprint Series is back for 2021 – and this time, with the added bonus of three brand new DIGITAL events to enhance our three ORIGIN events – Aquathlon, Duathlon and Triathlon.
The Aquathlon DIGITAL took place this weekend with perfect overcast conditions, on Tanjong Beach, Sentosa and oh, it felt so good to see you back!
The concept of the Aquathlon DIGITAL follows on from the success of our 
Run as One Singapore event in October 2020 – which allows athletes to transform their multisport experience with the aid of an innovative event app. Athletes have the freedom to participate at a time of their choice within the challenge date range (23-24 January), and use the app to audio guide them along the designated route. Pacing information on the run, and motivational messaging shared through the app also keeps the athletes motivated and entertained.
40 starters took on the challenge of completing a 900m swim and 6km run in the Aquathlon DIGITAL (or the 6km Run DIGITAL) on Saturday morning and another 20 on Sunday, with newbies and more experienced athletes alike enjoying the calm waters off Sentosa, and the flat run route along the tropical beachfront.
A huge (socially distanced) high five to Benoit Besnier who held onto his overnight lead to finish on top of the leaderboard with the fastest accumulated time over the two disciplines (34:22), and to Mireille Couture who participated today taking the top step of the podium in the women’s event from Saturday’s leading lady Lena Bodewein, with a finish time of 51:03. The event format is designed to encourage first-timers to the sport, and Geraldine Capogreco was one such person who completed her very first multisport event in 1:08.37. After being signed up by her husband, she bravely fulfilled her goal, and can relax and be satisfied tonight with her achievement.
For those who preferred not to get wet, a Run DIGITAL event was held in conjunction with the Aquathlon. John Churchill was the fastest man across the 6km distance with a time of 25:30, and Rebecca Dickson’s run time of 29:36 was good enough for third place overall, in addition to being the fastest woman.
Athletes seemed impressed with the new style of racing, with the women’s 
Aquathlon champion Mireille Couture commenting on FaceBook “Thank you MetaSport for organising such a fun digital event and experience! You never fail to deliver and reimagine! Look forward to seeing you all at the remaining digital and origin MetSprint Series!” and Y@I mentioned on Instagram “Just want to drop in a note of thanks for organising this digital Aquathlon. Very interesting way to race safely.”
Full race results can be found here https://www.metasprintseries.com/race-results/
Safety was once again our number one priority. Athletes were asked to make a booking in advance to secure their start time (to avoid overcrowding), safe scan entry with the Trace Together app, wear a swim buoy during the swim section of the event and wear a face mask before and after the challenge.
If you have been inspired by our awesome athletes this weekend, there is still time to sign up for the Aquathlon ORIGIN on neighbouring Palawan Beach, Sentosa on Sunday 7th February – but hurry, places are going fast.
Alternatively, we have the Duathlon DIGITAL on 20-21 February in Punggol, and Triathlon DIGITAL based from Changi Beach Park on 26-28 March. https://www.metasprintseries.com/race-info-digital/
