SA's most iconic triathlon without any doubts, the MANDELA TRI will be once again hosted by B-Active Sports in the beautiful surrounds of the KZN Midlands on Saturday, the 25th August.
You cannot get a better setting for what is one of the most iconic triathlon events you will ever get to compete in. With a Finish-Line that awaits all long walk triathletes at the very capture site of the late great Nelson Mandela, this is one of those triathlon events that every South African should get to compete in at some stage in their careers.
Into its 4th year now, the Mandela Tri is a well-established triathlon event within the local ZA triathlon community which offers a hefty prize purse of R70 000. Most local PRO's will tell you that this is big money and they are all sure to be toeing the line in less than 6 weeks-time as they seek out their share of the spoils that come from finishing on top of the podium
Race weather conditions are ideal at this time of year down in the Midlands near Howick and with a race start for the Long Walk Triathlon (Olympic Distance TRI) at 1pm, athletes will be greeted to optimal race conditions over the 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run.
Racing gets underway at 10am with a short walk duathlon (1km Run / 5km Cycle / 2.5km Run) which is ideal for the non-swimmers as well as those just looking to get into the sport and have some fun. The youngsters will love this event and parents are encouraged to bring the family along and participate in all the events on offer – something for the whole family to compete at and enjoy.
Next up after this is the Long Walk Duathlon which starts promptly at 10h15 (2.5km run / 10km cycle / 5km Run) This event is possibly for the slightly fitter athlete but equally do-able for many of the weekend warriors who are looking for a sense of fun and adventure with some hard fast action-packed racing thrown into the mix.
The duathlon (run/bike/run) event has been brought in purely for the guys and girls who are not too keen to brave the 16 degree water temperature that Midmar offers up at this time of year. Duathlon is a great way to get into the sport of triathlon and competitors get a real feel for the racing experience that takes place in a duathlon event and they still have loads of fun at the same time.
The first triathlon event starts at 11h15 with a Sprint Distance comprising 600m of swimming, 20km of cycling and then finishing off with a 5km run. This event will start and finish at the Midmar Dam Resort as will both duathlon events.
The main even of the day – the Long Walk Triathlon (1.5km swim/40km cycle/10km run) will close off the day's proceedings with the first athletes starting their event at 1pm.
The swim takes place at Midmar. Wetsuits are well advised at this time of year with water temperatures normally hovering around the 16 degree marker at midday. Conditions are flat and the water is clean. The bike course will comprise a few10km loops that run past the dam's front entrance numerous times depending on what event you have been entered for with some gradual climbs on each end of the bike loops. Not flat but very manageable for the lesser fit triathletes. The races are all draft-legal so no tri bikes and tri-bars will be permitted. Road Bikes and Mountain bikes will be required for this event so make sure you bring along the correct bike for race day.
The run sections for the duathlon and sprint triathlon events is fairly flat and fast whilst the Olympic Distance guys and girls will have an up-hill section close to the end of the 10km run as they proceed to finish their event at the Nelson Mandela capture site which is around 3km in distance from the race start venue at Midmar Dam Resort.
Henri Schoeman, Current Olympic Bronze Medal and Commonwealth Games Gold Medal winner has won this race two times in the past which adds to the prestige of "who will win the title in 2018?"
Entries are open so book your spot before the entries are all sold out.
RACE INFORMATION
Date: 25th August 2018 Start Venue: Midmar Dam
Registration Venue: Midmar Dam Conference Centre – 9am to 12:30pm on Saturday
Prizemoney: R70 000
ENTRIES OPEN: 18th July / close online: 21st August. Late entries will be available.
EVENTS:
NEW - 10am Start – Short Walk Duathlon – 2.5km Run / 5km Cycle / 1km Run
Briefing @ 9:45am at the Finish line – COST: R180 (Min Age: 8yrs old)
NEW - 10:15am Start – Long Walk Duathlon – 5km / 10km / 2.5km Run
Briefing @ 10am at the Finish line – COST: R230 / Team: R350 (Min Age: 12yrs old)
11: 15am Start – Short Walk Triathlon - 600m Swim / 20km Cycle / 5km Run
Briefing @ 11am at the Transition area – COST: R330 / Team: R480 (Min Age 16yrs)
1pm Start – Long Walk Triathlon - 1.5km Swim / 40km Cycle / 10km Run
Briefing @ 12:45pm at the Transition area – COST: R600 / Teams: R750 (Min age: 18yrs)
Prize giving for all races: 4:30pm At the Mandela Capture Site
Olympic Race cut off: 5pm (4hrs)
Triathlon & Duathlon entries are open. http://www.cycleevents.co.za/triathlon-and-duathlon-events/mandela-day-triathlon-2018/