Triathletes to shine at the coast

Participants from across the country
Irene Van Der Walt
Swakopmund • [email protected]



More than 100 athletes are expected to compete in the first-ever triathlon hosted at Platz Am Meer in Swakopmund this weekend.

Online entries for the RMB triathlon organised by the Namibian Triathlon Federation (NTF) can be done at www.otbsport.com and will close today (Wednesday, 20 January) at 17:00.

NTF president Pierre du Plooy says that triathletes from all over the country, but especially the coast and the capital, will be participating at the event which will also serve as the NTF National Championship.

“With RMB as the NTF’s main sponsor, the event is a highlight on the sporting calendar. Unfortunately the reigning Namibia Triathlon Champ Benita Kasch will not be in action. However, top triathletes that will be in action, include Reece Borman from Swakopmund competing in the junior division, Risa Dreyer, Adele de la Rey, Julika Pahl, Hilde-Marie Olivier, Corrilly Yates, JG van der Westhuizen, Divan du Plooy and Sebastian Pahl," he confirmed.

In the u /14 race, brothers Micah and Nathan Chase will be giving their best to take the number one spot.

“We will also be scouting talent for a triathlon training group that we want to start with the aim of taking a triathlon team to the 2028 Olympics,” Du Plooy said, emphasising that adhering to Covid safety measures is a priority.

“No spectators are allowed. We will also have different starting times for different heats to ensure that there is no group larger than 50. All competitors must wear masks when not competing.”

Participants will have the option to compete in one of two distances: The Standard Distance for individuals comprising a 1500m swim, 40km cycle and 10km run; or the Sprint Distance for junior athletes and as a social event consisting of a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.

Entry for the individual sprint distance, which also serves as a Namibian qualifier, costs N$350, while participation for the social and junior event, costs N$200. Teams (max 3 members) will pay N$300 per team.

Race registration takes place on Friday, 22 January 2021 from 17:00 to 19:00 at Platz am Meer (Waterfront side). Start times will be confirmed on Friday at 17:00.