Triathlon series gets under way at Pollok Beach

THE Eastern Cape's popular triathlon sprint distance series hits Nelson Mandela Bay this month when the About IT Triathlon Summer Series kicks off on Tuesday.

This is the first of three rounds of individual and team triathlons.

The series, which has been going for over a decade, received a welcome boost last year with the three-year sponsorship from About IT. This year the series is further boosted by hydration sponsor 32Gi and fuel partner Caltex.

Tuesday's round will see the traditional Pollok Beach to Schoenies Triathlon, where the start and finish are some 20km apart. Pre-race registration and the 750m swim leg take place at Pollok Beach, followed by the 20km cycle to Schoenmakerskop along the final section of the Ironman bike route in Marine Drive.

The competitors then tackle an exciting 5km trail run through the scenic Sacramento Trail.

For this round, participants are encouraged to have seconds to take their vehicle to the end point, while the organisers will manage transition packs for all the participants.

The second round takes place on December 21 at Pollok Beach and is named the Double Up triathlon, with participants having to complete a spectator-friendly two laps of each discipline.

The final round, and traditionally the most popular of the three race days, takes place on December 26 at Port St Francis when hundreds of holidaymakers from around the country take part.