It is official! South Africa joins the mix in the highly anticipated new triathlon series of the year, the 5150 Series. The 5150 is the latest venture from the World Triathlon Corporation which also owns and runs the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 series races. Forever Resorts Warmbaths in Bela Bela will be the host of Africa's first 5150 triathlon on Saturday, August 13, 2011.
The new race in Bela Bela is the first of a series of races planned in cities around South Africa. Other possible venues for 5150 Series races in South Africa include Knsysna, Cape Town, Durban and Joburg.
Triathlon: 5150 Bela Bela Triathlon
When: Saturday, August 13, 2011
Where: Bela Bela, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Divisions: Elite/Professional, Age Group, Relay
Website: www.5150.co.za
The 5150 is an Olympic Distance, non-drafting triathlon series with the same level of prestige and quality that Ironman and Ironman 70.3 athletes have become accustomed to. The race consists of a 1.5km Swim, 40km Bike and 10km Run which adds up to 51.5km, hence the name, 5150.
"This is the first race in the series and we hope to build it into a big series in years to come. We want to ensure that each race is successful and we are confident that we can establish one of the biggest 5150 events in the world. There is no better place to start than Bela Bela as it lends itself to the philosophy of 5150. The region is geared up for an exciting weekend of racing and family fun!" said Keith Bowler, Managing Director of World Endurance South Africa.
The triathlon event will take place in and around the Forever Resorts Warmbaths property. The race will consist of a 1.5km Swim in the ski dam, a one and a three quarter lap in a clockwise direction around the island. Athletes will then mount their bike for a 40km, two-loop out and back course which will take triathletes out towards the Bela Bela Dam. After that they will return to the grounds and complete a 10km Run consisting of two-loops around the resort property.
Athletes can compete either individually or as part of a team with individual age-group athletes competing for a qualifying slot to the Hy-Vee 5150 US Championships. Elite athletes will compete not only for their share of the prize purse, but also for series points for the Hy-Vee 5150 US Championships. The 2011 race will feature 10 qualifying slots per age group for the 2012 Hy-Vee 5150 US Championships.
Bela Bela, formely known as Warmbaths is about 2 hours north of Johannesburg in the Nortwest region of South Africa. Bela Bela, a Northern Sotho name meaning "Boiling-Boiling", which is synonymous with the town's world-renowned hot water springs was discovered by the Tswana's in the 1800's. Hot water bubbling out of the earth at approximately 22 000 liter per hour with a temperature of 53°C and the close proximity to Gauteng make this destination even more popular. The area has pleasantly mild climate during the winter months with an average of 286 sunny days every year add to the popularity of this destination. Our temperature in summer range between 15,7°C - 29°C and winter from 6,7°C - 24°C. Forever Resorts Warmbaths is introducing a special offer for athletes with a 20% discount on the resort's world class accommodation.
Registration is now open for this new 5150 race in South Africa. Check the event website for details. It's open for individuals and relay teams of three.
Visit www.5150.com for additional event information, including race date, prize money and other global race locations.
Related Posts:
- New Events Added to European 5150 Triathlon Series Schedule
- New 5150 Olympic Distance Triathlon Series Launched
