Dicky Christanto , The Jakarta Post , Denpasar | Wed, 06/11/2008 10:37 AM | Bali
After hosting a series of international conferences on strategic issues such as global warming and anti corruption, the resort island of Bali is now gearing up to host a major sporting event.
Bali will host the second Bali International Triathlon from June 27 to 29.
The event, which was held for the first time last year by the Bali Discovery Tour, is now held in cooperation with the media giant MRA group and is fully supported by the Badung regency administration.
A member of the organizing committee, Gentry Amalo, said that the Badung regency had decided to support the event as they saw a promising future in it.
"Badung regent told me and the rest of the committee that this event should be held annually so it could be one of Bali's benchmark activities," he told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.
Badung regency spokesman Eka Mertawan said the local administration would support the event by exempting the event's promotional materials, such as banners and billboards, from local taxes.
"Moreover, the administration will assist the committee in coordinating with local police to provide the necessary security arrangements," he said.
The registration fees for joining the Triathlon are US$75 and US$125 for Indonesians and non-Indonesians, respectively. While the registration fees for group participants range between US$225 and US$275 for Indonesian and non-Indonesian groups, respectively.
"The closing date for registration is June 28. We are still waiting for more participants to come and join in this event. We promise that through this event, the participants will not only have a chance to test their physical fitness, but will also have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the competition's route," he said.
He said as many as 251 athletes from 16 countries around the world, including Australian athletes Luke Mc Kenzie and Amanda Balding, along with last year' winner British Daniel Plews, had confirmed their participation in the event.
He said all participants would start the triathlon by swimming for around 1.5 kilometers from the beach in the front of the Four Seasons hotel in Jimbaran and then continue their adventure by cycling 42 kilometers along the road from Jimbaran bay to Nusa Dua, Ungasan, Kampial, Pecatu and then return to Jimbaran.
Soon after they get there, the participants will complete the last leg of the competition by running along the 10-kilometer route that will bring them into narrow roads of two traditional villages in that area.
The Triathlon organizer will also hold a 5-kilometer mini-marathon.
"Those who feel that the triathlon is way above their physical ability could participate in the mini-marathon instead," Gentry said.
The registration fees for the mini-marathon are Rp 100,000 and Rp 200,000 for Indonesian and non-Indonesian runners, respectively.
The triathlon offers cash prizes of Rp 7.5 million, Rp 5 millions, and Rp 2.5 millions for the first, second, and third place winners.
"The cash prizes are for Indonesian runners only. We do not provide cash prizes to non-Indonesian participants," Gentry said.
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