KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia triathletes will have the opportunity to qualify for the aquathlon in the Cambodia SEA Games by competing at the NeptuneX113 (NX113) Aquathlon Putrajaya on February 4.
In a statement issued by organisers Hybrid Management Sdn Bhd, the aquathlon will make its debut and feature alongside its two multi-discipline siblings – the triathlon and duathlon – at the 32nd edition of the biennial games from May 5 to 17.
The aquathlon’s elite category, where participants complete a 500m swim before transitioning to a 2.5km run around Putrajaya Lake, will serve as the 2023 SEA Games qualifier for local athletes.
Other aquathlon categories include the standard (1.5km/10km run), sprint (750m swim/5km run) and super sprint categories (500m swim/2.5km run).
Only the elite category competitors will be eligible for the SEA Games qualifying race.
Malaysia Triathlon Association (MTA) president Tony Tan said the aquathlon, which is sanctioned by the Youth and Sports Ministry and the MTA, will raise the sport’s profile.
“Aquathlon in Malaysia has always been overshadowed by its bigger siblings, the duathlon and the triathlon. We hope this event will boost the sport’s popularity, especially by making it as the SEA Games qualifier,” said Tony.
“In general, over and above a qualifying race, the process would include time trials and compliance of regulations set the by Olympic Council of Malaysia.
“With aquathlon making its debut in the SEA Games, we are confident that it will eventually narrow the gap, however, a little nudge would go a long way and it starts from the grassroots.”
Meanwhile, NX113 Aquathlon race director Andy Foo was looking forward to staging a competitive and safe event.
“This event is just the beginning of greater things to come for the sport.
“We hope it will not only encourage more people to pursue this enjoyable sport but also test themselves in a competitive yet safe environment,” he said.
The aquathlon is held concurrently with the first SEA Open Water Swimming Championships 2023 taking place from February 2 to 4.
Those who wish to compete at the NX113 Aquathlon can sign up at [email protected]. – The Vibes, December 23, 2022
