Article from The Straits Times, Sports Section (15 March)

Article from www.togoparts.com (1 March)

Singapore Sprint Series: making Triathlon accessible to all

The 3rd edition of the Singapore Sprint Series is on its way, opening the 2010 endurance sport calendar.

The Singapore Sprint Series is an introduction to Triathlon: a series of three short-distance races accessible to all and gradually leading to the completion of a full Triathlon over a three-month period. The first race is an Aquathlon (swim / run) on February 28, the 2nd race is a Duathlon (run / bike) on March 14 and the 3rd race is a Triathlon (swim / bike / run) on May 2nd.

The 3-race series is designed to convert recreational runners to multi-sport in an unintimidating way and offer them a new challenge. It suits every level of fitness and skill and enhances the fun, excitement and health benefits of multi-sports. Each race take part in a different location in Singapore: the first race at Sentosa, the second race in Sengkang and the third race in Changi Beach Park.

The event was first launched in 2008 by Tribob, a Sport Management company. This event was the first one of its kind in Singapore, starting with 1500 participants in 2008 and recording a 100% growth in 2009. Benefiting from the ongoing enthusiasm for Triathlon and endurance sports in Singapore, the event organizer anticipates a participation of at least 5000 in 2010.

The difference with a standard triathlon event is the flexibility that it offers: people can choose to take part in one, two or three races depending on the disciplines they are most comfortable with.

Considering that open water swimming is often considered daunting by novices, the mini race distance consisting of a 200m swim has been welcome by newbies. Alternatively apprehensive swimmers take part in the duathlon (bike / run) and watch their friends complete the other races.

In order to help participants in their race preparation, Tribob offers training sessions in all disciplines, including in open water swimming. “A lot of people can swim 200 meters but the fear of the open water makes people under-estimate their capabilities” says Matthe Vijverberg, Tribob Race Director.

The keenest participants go for the three races. The schedule of the races allows them to slowly build up their fitness and confidence over the three-month period till they feel at ease to complete the last race, a sprint triathlon.

For the first time, due to popular demand, the 2010 edition will introduce a youth and kids category as well as a mini race distance for novice adults allowing families to take part together and share an experience. “We have quite a number of families of four or five already registered, with the father doing the sprint, the mother the mini and the children the kids race.” Says Jasmin Ng, Marketing and Sales Manager at Tribob.

Although the Singapore Sprint Series is an entry level Triathlon event, it also attracts Singapore’s best triathletes, such as Willie Loo, 2009 Series champion, Dan Plews, Trudy Fawcett, who compete for the general series ranking.