‘Tri’ out for Durban Ultra
You can sign up to compete in the ultra or sprint distance races in this year's gruelling Durban Ultra event.
THE Durban Ultra is one of South Africa’s esteemed and prestigious ultra-distance triathlon events, with a history that dates back to the early 80s. This year, the gruelling race will take place on Sunday, 3 March at the promenade stretch behind the Durban Country Club.
Attracting both ultra-distance athletes (1.9km swim/90km cycle/21km run) as well as sprint distance athletes (600m swim/20km cycle/5km run), the city of Durban will be a buzz with some of the fittest racers, competing for the challenge and a possible podium place. Events will start at 7am from the Bike&Bean precinct.
The organisers have taken preemptive steps to ensure the swim goes ahead, regardless of the sea conditions. Should the surf conditions remain calm, the swim will take place directly in front of the Bike&Bean clubhouse. Sprint distance athletes will do a 600m swim loop while the ultra distance athletes will follow the same route but their start point will be further down the beach to create a 1.9km course.
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Should the surf break at the starting points, the swim will be moved to North and South Beach. Sprint distance will begin at North Beach and ultra distance racers will start at South Beach. When the swim is complete, the run back to Bike&Bean is 1.5km.
The bike leg for sprint distance is an out-and-back 20km loop with a fast and flat road surface. The ultra distance athletes will head onto the M4 North, towards Umdloti, and turn back into Durban to complete the 45km loop. This will be done twice before the athletes head into T2.
The run leg is flat and athletes will complete a 5km loop for the sprint distance and two loops of 10.5km for the ultra-distance racers.
Entries are open both for individuals and teams, but are limited. Enter online at www.ultratri.co.za.
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