Entries for the Midlands Ultra Triathlon close on 19 February, so make sure your name is down! The race takes place on 4 March 2012 at Midmar Dam.
In the picture: 2010 and 2011 winner Claire Horner is determined to retain her medal
Race organisers suggest that athletes wishing to compete get their entries in soon as places are limited and filling up fast. Dubbed “SA’s Fastest Ultra Triathlon”, the 2012 Series is going to be the best yet, says race director Damian Bradley.
“We have made some great improvements on the 2011 event and we are taking the two-part series to even greater heights with a better race management team and our fantastic supporting sponsors. The exciting sprint and ½ iron man distance events take place on the same day.”
South Africa’s top triathletes will be looking to make their mark and claim their share of the R35 000 prize money. Diane Emery, Claude Eksteen and Gerhard De Bruin have secured their place on the starting line ahead of 500 other pre-entered athletes. Emery and De Bruin both claimed 3rd overall in the 2011 Ultra and are looking for a win in 2012.
The Ultra race is broken down into a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and a 21km run, while the Sprint distance race consists of a 600m swim, 20km cycle and a 5km run.
The latest news from the Midlands Ultra Organisers, B-Active Sports, is that they have signed up supporting sponsors, Nike Vision, GU Energy, FINIS and Xterra Wetsuits to the 2012 Series. GU Energy will be providing crucial products for the athletes while on the bike and running courses, while FINIS and Xterra Wetsuits are offering athletes discounts on racing equipment via the race website.
Water quality of the dam has been tested throughout 2011 and with the Midmar Mile swim taking place soon, the Umngeni water board is confident that Midmar Dam has some of the cleanest water in SA.
All levels of athletes will enjoy this unique race set in a spectacular and beautiful environment. A broad range of categories are open, catering for top athletes, weekend warriors as well as relay teams.
With a healthy prize purse of R35 000, the top athletes will be battling it out for a podium finish. For the not so fast, there will be R50 000 worth of prizes given out to lucky draw winners at prize giving.
There is still plenty of accommodation available nearby and race accommodation partner Woodridge Hotel & Spa is currently offering all athletes a special package.
For more information, visit www.midlandsultra.com or contact B-Active Sports at info@midlandsultra.com