Midmar Duel Ultra Triathlon 2007

January 17, 2007; ??? Author ???

Midmar Duel Ultra Triathlon 2007 - Profiling KZN's Natural Heritage and raising funds for Conservation

With the start of the Duel Ultra Triathlon only days away, triathletes from all over the country will be heading up to Midmar Dam in the beautiful Natal Midlands to participate in this exciting new event on the triathlon calendar.  Midmar Dam, situated between Pietermaritzburg and Howick, is an ideal sporting venue with its large expanse of water and picturesque, tranquil surrounds.  

Sunday 28th January will be the first in a full calendar of sporting events to be launched by the Trust in February (watch this space).  Through these events the Trust aims to provide unique and challenging sporting experiences and with this platform, raise funds for conservation & development projects around the province.   The Trust also aims to promote the remarkable natural heritage and wonderful eco-tourism ventures KZN has to offer. 

The Duel Ultra, essentially birthed to prepare Iron Man die-hards and first-timers for a full Iron Man, will be held over Half Iron Man distances including a fresh 1,9km Dam Swim, a lung-stretching 90km Cycle through undulating Meander hills, and a fast 21km run along Midmar’s hazy shores. A unique and once long forgotten aspect of the KZN Triathlon will be revived with the addition of a 7,5km canoeing leg for those not too keen on taking on Midmar in a Speedo and wetsuit.

There is also an option for the not-so-ultra-fit; a corporate team challenge for three members who will have the opportunity to experience a long distance triathlon by participating in an event over half the distances of the main event. These teams will cover a 1km Swim, 45km Cycle and 10km Run.  The Trust has entered a Team in the Corporate Challenge and will be battling it out with other teams not so much to be first at the finish line, but to bring in the highest sponsorship. 

The event has had a fantastic response from entrants with a field of over 600 athletes lining up for the start on Sunday, all of which will receive an exceptional value-for-money goodie bag packed with great goodies from our sponsors, including products from the events title sponsor Duel Shaving Products.

Top athletes such as Glen Gore, Raynard Tissink and Carl Storm have all confirmed their participation, so a mammoth battle for line honours is expected. Some exciting teams made up of high calibre athletes such as Jenna Worlock and Dominique Donner will ensure that the teams are mixing it up with the individual athletes. Top canoe tri-athlete Sakkie Meyer and Landy Taylor will be heading up the canoe field. Doubling as the SA Long Course Triathlon Champs,  elite athletes and age groupers can anticipate racing for a race purse that amounts to R30 000, 00.

“Our goal and vision has been to motivate couch potato’s and seasoned athletes alike, to take part in a unique, challenging and ultimately rewarding experience. The field speaks for itself and we are extremely pleased with the entries for the event”, say the race organisers; “Good luck to all entrants!”

Contact 083 6475 372 or visit www.duelultratri.co.za for more information on the Duel Ultra and watch this space or click on the Events Page for information on up-coming events hosted by the Trust.