The Lombok Triathlon… Unparalleled in Difficulty and Beauty!
If you are planning to come to Lombok soon, don’t forget the 2009 Lombok International Triathlon being held over the weekend of 7 and 8 November.
This will be the third year that the idyllic island of Lombok has hosted the demanding international triathlon, which now attracts serious and amateur competitors from around the world, as well as throughout Indonesia.
This year the event has been modified by Triathlon organisers, TRIBOB, to meet international Olympic standards and will consist of a 1.5km swim (previously 1.8km), a 40km bike event (previously 55km) and a 10km run (previously 12km).
The triathlon became an Olympic event at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, when 48 women and 52 men competed in separate triathlons. The distances used were the “international” or “standard” ones, with a 1.5 kilometre (0.93 miles) swim, 40 kilometre (24.85 miles) cycle, and a 10 kilometre (6.21 miles) run.
The Lombok Triathlon showcases the beautiful scenery of Lombok with the swim being held on Senggigi Beach, the bike course covering the scenic northwest beaches, and the 10km run through the coconut grove along the beach at Kerandangan, just north of Senggigi.
Billed by TRIBOB as the “toughest course in Asia” and described as “unparalleled in its difficulty and beauty”, the Lombok International Triathlon is centred in Senggigi, with the Sheraton Senggigi Resort as major sponsors of the event. Saturday 7 November will see plenty of action with race registrations open between 12 noon and 9pm at the Sheraton. In the afternoon, either participate in the races below or join the crowds at Senggigi Square to cheer the competitors on in the Fun Run, Walk-A-Jog and 500m Kids Dash.
While it is too late to register as a competitor in this year’s Triathlon, all are welcome to come along and support the athletes as they battle it out.
The Triathlon starts with the swim event on the beachfront between the Sheraton Senggigi Resort and Santosa Villas and Resort at 7am on Sunday, 8 November. The transition area at the front of the Sheraton is a good place to watch competitors changing from the swim course to bikes and, after the biking event, the run course. Other good points for spectators will be along the west coast beach road and the Senggigi to Kerandangan road, just north of Senggigi.
For competitors, there is still time to register for other events being held on Saturday, 7 November as part of the Traithlon weekend.
Senggigi Fun Run: This popular 5km is open to all participants and follows part of the Triathlon run course. Last year’s event attracted around 300 contestants, including Lombok’s chapter of the Hash House Harriers. The 2008 race winner completed the course in 17 min 36 seconds.
Walk A Jog: A special event added this year for those who don’t feel up to the 5km run, the Walk A Jog follows a 3km course where participants can walk and jog at their own pace.
Both events start from Senggigi Square at around 4.30pm (16.30) on Saturday. Get a group of friends together or a team from work, and have fun participating in either event.
Kids Dash: This year a special 500m Kids Dash has also been added to the programme, so that all the family can take part in the Triathlon weekend. The Kids Dash starts at 4.30pm (16.30) on 7 November in Senggigi Square.
There are prizes to be won and the top three male and female runners in the 5km Senggigi Fun Run will receive a trophy. All finishers of the Triathlon, Senggigi Fun Run, Walk-A-Jog and Kids Dash will also receive a “finishers” medal. The awards ceremony will take place in the transition area at the front of the Sheraton at 5.45pm (17.45).
This is the third year this international standard event has been held in Lombok and this year looks like being the biggest Triathlon yet! So, even if you don’t feel like participating, join in the fun on Saturday and Sunday and cheer the winners on!
