Seven Countries To Participate In International Pariaman Triathlon Event

Pariaman, (Antara Sumbar) - A total of seven countries participated in the international Pariaman Triathlon sporting event held on December 2 to 3, 2017 by the Government of Pariaman Municipality, West Sumatra.

"The seven participating countries are Japan, France, Hungary, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and Indonesia," Pariaman Mayor Mukhlis Rahman stated in Pariaman on Thursday.

He said Pariaman Triathlon event is the fourth time held by the local government in encouraging and boosting the level of tourist visits.

"Pariaman City is serious in the development of tourism sector. Pariaman Triathlon is a real effort in attracting tourists from various countries and domestic," he said.

In addition to support the development of tourism sector, the event is also in order to find and recruit young talented athletes from West Sumatra, especially Pariaman City.

The international sports event is not only a Triathlon race, but also Duathlon means followed by students from several regions.

Special for Duathlon, Pariaman Government does not give priority to achievement but prioritize nursery seed talented of young athletes.

"Achievement is not the main target, but the process of selecting athletes takes precedence," he said.

Besides, Head of Culture and Tourism of Pariaman Elfis Candra said Pariaman Triatlon is divided into two categories namely Olympic Distance and Sprint Distance.

He explained for Olympic Distance, the participants will swim as far as 1,500 meters in the free sea, cycled 40 kilometers and ran as far as 10 kilometers. While the Sprint Distance participants will swim 750 meters, bike 20 kilometers and run 5 kilometers.

The local government said he targeted 200 participants in the Triathlon and Duathlon categories of 100 students from 19 districts and cities.

"Up to now, there are 135 athletes from various countries and it is estimated to continue to grow," he said.

For students, he said, running distance is only 2.5 kilometers, cycling 10 kilometers and run as far as 2.5 kilometers. While the age category is vulnerable from 19 to 50 years and over.

"The event is centered in Kata Beach, South Pariaman Sub-district through several other points," he added. (cha)

Editor: Vicha Faradika