By Nangamso Mabindla
16 January 2006

EAST Londoners are bracing themselves for the first ever Sunshine Coast Triathlon, to be held at Orient Beach on 12 February.

Event organiser Dan Taylor says this is the first challenge of its kind in East London and will be on the regional and national Triathlon South Africa calendars.

"This event is big in the US and I thought that when I arrived in South Africa I would try to organise an event of this nature for East Londoners." Even though neighbouring Port Elizabeth holds an annual Iron Man event, the sport is still growing in South Africa.

"Most cities in the country have an annual triathlon event; East London doesn't, that is why I thought I would start off this year with the Sunshine Coast Triathlon. And we've had a very good response so far," Taylor says.

Although the challenge will attract top athletes from around the country, Taylor says it really will be a fun event and he encourages those who have never competed in a triathlon to make the Sunshine Coast Triathlon their first.

"The 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run is quite manageable for the individual, but for those who would like to do it in a team, we have a team event that will be a great deal of fun! We have a schools challenge as well."

Proceeds from the challenge will go to two charities – the House on the Rock and the National Sea Rescue Institute. Safety will be key, with the rescue institute, St Dominic's Hospital staff and ambulances on standby in case of emergency.

"We plan to have future events in Port Elizabeth and Port Alfred, as well as an off-road triathlon near East London, [which] we plan to have towards the end of the year."

Taylor says that without the help of the Buffalo City municipality and the other sponsors, organising the event would not have been so successful.

The fun starts two days before the triathlon, as the organisers host the Sunshine Coast Health and Sports Expo at the Regent Hotel on the East London Beachfront.

Between 30 and 50 exhibitors will be featured, ranging from sports retail stores to sports brands and health providers. Physiotherapists will be on hand for free advice, doctors will assess participants, stores will show off their latest sports equipment, and schools, sports clubs and associations will market their products and services.

"We will have health food stalls as well as a fun area for kids," Taylor says. "All triathletes will register at the expo and we expect a fun-filled time for the whole family."

For more information on how to enter the event contact Dan Taylor on 083 445 1040 or visit www.sunshinecoasttriathlon.co.za.