Tri Thonnur 2014, one of India's biggest triathlon events, returns with new introductions

Mysore: The city’s sports enthusiasts will be making an attempt to draw the attention of the country to triathlon sport once again. Yes, Karnataka state’s only outdoor triathlon, the Tri Thonnur 2014, is all set to take place on August 10th with new introductions, and it will be organised by the Mysore city team ‘Enduro’.

This is one of the very few triathlon races in India, and is considered to be a major platform for anyone aspiring to be a triathlon athlete. With a whopping participation of 120 members in the second edition last year, over 250-300 athletes’ participation is expected in the third edition.

The four categories in the event

There will be four categories, with two categories being introduced in the third edition. In the sprint category, one has to swim for 750 metres, cycle for 20 km and run for 5 km. In Olympic distance, 1500 metres swimming, 40 km cycling and 10km running is the objective. In duathlon, the participant will have to cycle for 40 km and run for 10km. The new introduction – Long course – which is considered to be the half iron man, consists of 1900 metres of swimming, 90 km of cycling and 21 km of running.

The Tri Thonnur is conducted at the scenic Thonnur lake 50 km from Mysore, and is nestled between beautiful hillocks and ancient temples. The event is in its third year of operation, following phenomenal success in the second edition.

Words from the organizers

Prajwal Prasad, co-founder and triathlon athlete, says, “The races will be held within 20 km radius of Thonnur lake. The vehicle arrangements to carry the vehicles from Mysore are also organised. The cycles transportation from Mysore to Thonnur lake will be taken care by the organising team.”

“In order to encourage and promote triathlon in India, Michael Phelps foundation of Australia will be sponsoring the children who participate in the events. Deepak Raj, the iron man race winner, as well as two athletes from Australia will be the major highlight of the event. The basic facilities such as ambulance, food, accommodation, medical team, physio, fire engine and traffic assistance by the cops of Mandya have been arranged for the convenience of the participants,” he added.

Ajit Thandur, Prajwal Prasad, Anil Kumar and Abhilash Kashyap are the organizing team members.

AIMS volunteers as life guards

The city’s Association of Integrated Mysore Swimmers (AIMS), which is headed by Mysore’s international swimming coach Sundaresh and his team, will be the life guards for the event. However, the team has also requested sports enthusiasts to join their hands in volunteering for the event.