Traditionally, the challenge attracts some of the best triathletes from Africa and the Zimbabwean edition is no different as it has attracted top triathletes from Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa, Morocco, and Namibia.
According to the Zimbabwe Triathlon Association, the elite section will also see participation from triathletes from outside Africa, although those would not be considered for the African championship.
The winners are guaranteed $3,000. There will also be a One Mile road running event at the same time, although this is restricted to local runners.
Triathlon is a multi-disciplined sport that involves swimming, cycling and running, in that order. The sport, however, does not demand expensive facilities.
Unfortunately, the days of Mark Marabini and Chris Felgate are gone, but in their place are a new breed of triathletes like Drew Williams, who will represent Zimbabwe at the World Youth Games later in the year.
Marabini represented Zimbabwe at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, while Felgate was at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Both, though, were a disappointment at the global sports festival.
Reigning Africa champion, Julian Saunders of South Africa, has entered the Africa Challenge and is hoping to continue her dominance of the sport. All the participants will be fine-tuning their preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Post published in: Sport