Entries open for triathlon

The championships will contain an all-new bike route, with Germiston Lake as the setting for what has become Gauteng’s biggest triathlon.

The flagship race of the 5150 African Triathlon Series drew a field of 1 300 individuals and 25 teams in its inaugural year.

The out-and-back route will take the athletes along the N17 as part of the 40 kilometre bike leg. The bike course leaves the main entrance out of Germiston Lake Park into Lake Road, heading in the direction of the N17 before taking the on-ramp to join the N17.

Keeping in the inner lane of the N17, athletes will make a U-turn at the Dal Park Toll Plaza and remain on the inner lane up to the Wits Rifles Toll Plaza, where they will make a second U-turn.

They will then exit the N17, where they will back-track to Germiston Lake Park. The N17 will have restricted road use and only two cross-over points, making it ideal for cyclists.

Being a standard distance triathlon, the race consists of a 1.5 kilometre swim in Germiston Lake followed by a 40 kilometre bike and a 10 kilometre run.

“The Ekurhuleni 5150 African Championship is the perfect way to test the waters if you’re new to triathlons. It is also a good test of an athlete’s abilities if you already have a few under your belt,” said Mr Michael Flanagan.

Entries are now open online at a cost R880 for individuals and R1 350 for teams. Each athlete receives a 5150 branded draw-string swim bag, a 5150 moisture management race shirt, a medal and downloadable certificate.

Entries run until October 12.

For more information on the new bike route or to enter, visit www.5150.co.za and select Ekurhuleni 5150 African Championship. @BedfordEdenvale