Some 1,200 triathletes are expected to descend on the shores of Bintan, Indonesia at the end of this month to bike, swim and run in a race that challenges their endurance and stamina.
The champion will return home with a grand prize of US$30,000, the highest ever prize to be offered in the Aviva Bintan Triathlon, which enters its third instalment on May 26 and 27, with the biggest turnout.
Besides the 1,200 triathletes, among them some world-class athletes, another 1,000 spectators will also flock to the island to support the competitors and join in the carnival-style festivities.
There are also categories for sprinters and distance running for kids.
The gruelling triathlon will be held against the backdrop of pristine beaches, turquoise waters and scenic golf courses at Bintan Lagoon Resort (BLR).
Last year's event attracted over 900 competitors and 600 spectators from the Australasia region, and with a prize purse five times higher this time around, the competition will be stiff.
Olympic Distance winner Courtney Atkinson, who claimed the US$6,000 prize last year, will return to defend his title against 10 other professional triathletes from Australia, Hong Kong, Great Britain and Denmark.
Spectators will be able to catch the toughest in action, like Aussie Jason Shortlis, winner of various Ironman competitions in Malaysia, Australia and Western Australia, and Jocelyn Pollock, AVIVA Bintan Triathlon?s 2005 champion.
In addition to the main races, spectators will also be treated to a carnival-style event packed with music, beach games, food and cheerleaders, with a beachside awards barbeque dinner on May 26 to top it off.
Bintan Lagoon Resort, which is hosting the event, is already fully booked for that weekend. Many participants and supporters are now turning to other resorts or day-trips for their travel arrangements.
This year's event is divided into three main races, Olympic Distance (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run), Sprint Distance (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) and Kids Distance (200m swim, 6km bike, 1.5km run). Each Distance is further subdivided into individual and distance relays according to age groups.
Registrations for professional triathletes have closed, but all other categories are still open till May 11.
