Taking place on 8 December in Swakopmund, Namibia, this is now the 27th year that the FNB Desert Triathlon has taken place. The event continues to build momentum. It is hosted by OTB Sport, sponsored by FNB (First National Bank) Namibia, with PUMA on board as technical sponsor.
The FNB Desert Triathlon offers a choice of three distances: the Ultra distance (1.9K/90K/21K), a Standard distance (1K/40K/10K) and a Sprint Distance (400m/20K/4K).
Event organiser OTB Sport said that it had promoted the 2013 event internationally and especially in South Africa in a bid to attract more triathletes to the Ultra event, in particular. A total of 250 participants are expected this year with a strong increase in numbers in the Ultra distance event.
OTB Sport thanked FNB for its continued support and sponsorship for the past 7 years. Thanks were also given to technical sponsor PUMA, and OCNAM and Herco Marketing as well as Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre and Air Namibia.
The FNB Desert Triathlon has N$46000 (US$4500) in prizes on offer. These include cash prizes, vouchers, trophies and medals. The first 230 race entries also receive a PUMA event t-shirt.
Dixon Norval, from FNB said “At FNB Namibia our brand promise of helpfulness extends well beyond that of just being another bank. We believe that our customers will best prosper if they keep a balanced lifestyle. Thus, while it is our aim never to compromise on the service standards we render as your bank, we also try and make a contribution to a happy lifestyle.
“We believe that preparing for and participating in sport events such as the FNB Desert Triathlon, organized by OTB Sport, is one of the best ways to build a balanced and happy lifestyle. FNB is, therefore, delighted to support this event which continues to grow in popularity every year. Whether you participate or just support the athletes, be there and share in the fun.”
The event kicks off from the popular Swakopmund Mole with a brisk swim in the chilly Atlantic Ocean. This is followed by the bike leg, which takes cyclists out into the Namib desert on the salt roads; the recently maintained salt roads make for particularly fast surfaces especially on the downwind section. When heading back to Swakop the wind usually picks up slightly and presents a further challenge for participating athletes.
The run is on the scenic paths meandering alongside the beach and runners can expect cool, fresh winds blowing off the sea.
