Thursday, April 20, 2006

Prelude to Malakoff Malaysian Duathlon Series #1

This Sunday 23 April at 7.30am, all the brave racers will be competing in the Duathlon race starting at Dataran Merdeka. The format of the main Individual long distance category is to run 10km, cycle 45km followed by running another 5km.

For Pacesetters members who are participating in this race, please inform Mr. Jason Thiang (H/P 012-211 6280), PACM Team Manager for Duathlon, for two reasons. First, Pacesetters members would get additional 10% discount on the registration fees. Second, it would enable the Club to compete favourably with other organizations for the “Most Members Participation” awards.

According to the Event Organizer, Quick Release Adventures, they are pleased to see many new participants taking up the maiden challenges this year (36% increase) and congratulations to those upgrading to the Individual long distance either from Sprint or Team Relay events.

For those who are new in this sport, a racer requires a road racing bike to compete in the 45km cycling segment. Though a racer may chose to run the entire event, it is not encouraged as the organizer may have to change the name to Duathlon-cum-Ultramarathon race, which is not available worldwide yet.

The last 5km run would be most fun – from the perspective of both runner and spectator. The transition movement from cycling to running somehow causes “rubbery” effect or weakness in legs muscles. This, coupled with hot mid-morning sun, it is not unusual to see racers running in slow-motion mode or struggling to reach finishing line. It is similar to Superman was running into 'the wall' as though someone had slipped some Kryptonite into his tights. It is a test of human endurance to be able to surge forward to complete the race.

A highlight of the race schedule is as follows:

SATURDAY 22 APRIL 2006
At Hotel Plaza, Kuala Lumpur
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2pm - 5pm
RACE KIT COLLECTION
All participants need to collect their race kit and timing chip.

5.00pm - 5.30pm
RACE BRIEFING FOR SPRINT PARTICIPANTS (COMPULSORY)
All Sprint participants need to attend the Race Briefing by Race Director.
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5.30pm - 6.00pm
RACE BRIEFING FOR INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM RELAY PARTICIPANTS (COMPULSORY)All Individual and Team Relay participants need to attend the Race Briefing by Race Director.

6.00pm Onwards
HI-TEA AND FELLOWSHIP.
Yes, Hi-Tea will be served free-of-charge for all long distance Individual racers only.

SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2006
Dataran Merdeka, KL
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6.00am - 7.00am ARRIVAL
All participants need to arrive at Start line to place bike and gear in TRANSITION area by 7.00am.
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7.30am OFFICIAL RACE START for INDIVIDUAL
All Individual competitors will start the race at 7.30am sharp.
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7.40am OFFICIAL RACE START for Team Relay
All Team Relay competitors will start the race at 7.40am sharp.
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7.50am OFFICIAL RACE START for all SPRINT competitors
All Sprint competitors participants will start the race at 7.50am sharp.
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12.30pm PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY
Race Cut off time for all competitors. There will be a prize giving ceremony at the race site to award the winners. LUCKY DRAW commences immediately after prize giving.
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1.00pm TRANSITION AREA CLOSES
Racers/competitors are required to claim their bike and belongings (RACE number must be produced for identification of bike owner) from thetransition area before 1pm.

SPONSORS for making The Race possible:

MALAKOFF Berhad – Main sponsor.
POWERBAR - The official energy bar and co-sponsor.
BROOKS - The official sportswear and co-sponsor. Bring lots of $$$ for the purchase of latest Brooks' products on display at the race expo.
ALLA FONTE - The official mineral water and co-sponsor.
OSIM - The official healthcare and co-sponsor.
100PLUS - The official isotonic drink.

To see more information on MMDS #1, please click here.
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By KC
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