Top tri-athletes chasing the Sandman

Another exciting edition of the FNB Sandman Triathlon will take place at the Mole in Swakopmund on 3 December.

“The entries are going extremely well, with over 400 athletes already registered. It will once again be a huge event with some of the top triathlon athletes in action. The sprint section promises to be very competitive - with defending champion Nathan Chase ready to retain his title. Ethan Brinkman is expected to provide some stiff competition for him. Greg Chase will look to set the pace in the older age group while Benita Windish will be looking to make it three titles in a row by winning the ladies' ultra section,” said Yvonne Brinkmann of OTB Sport and the organiser of the popular triathlon.

The event is made possible by FNB, who has taken up the role of title sponsor for the last 16 years. The fact that there were only about 80 entries about four years ago and close to 350 participants in 2022, is a pleasing aspect. The organisers introduced different competitions and categories, which made it possible for more people to enter.

Reigning champions

Last year's event attracted around 400 athletes - with Jean-Paul (JP) Burger clinching the ultra-distance competition in the men’s category with an impressive time of 4:35:00.

Burger dethroned the former champion, Konrad Marais. With the main (ultra) competition contested over the distances of a 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycle, and 21 km run, the eventual champion showed top-class talent by dominating the swimming and running sections of the event. Burger set the pace, established, and kept a good distance ahead of the rest. This left Marais chasing what appeared to be an unassailable lead and finishing three minutes later. Jan-Louis Mostert came in third in a time of 5:12:00.

Benita Windisch won the female category by claiming an emphatic win in 5:06:00. It was Windisch's second consecutive victory. JP van der Westhuizen won the standard competition. The event was also graced by Olympian Phillip Seidler, who competed in the team category and was the first person out of the water overall. Seidler said he hopes his participation will motivate more people to compete.

Competition time

The collection of race numbers, event bags, and a race brief will take place on Saturday 2 December at OTB Sport Swakopmund from 10:00 to 13:00 - with a short race brief at 13:00. The start/finish and transition area is at the Mole.

Participants are advised to wear wetsuits - with the swim section being an open water sea swim. The bike route is a combination of tar road and salt-treated roads which are suitable for Time Trial (TT) bikes. The run will take place on a combination of paths and public roads.

Athletes can enter one of four different categories in this year's triathlon. These are the individual mini, individual sprint, standard distance, and individual ultra-distance. The bike racks will open at 6:15 am. The different starting times are 7.00 am for the Ultra event, 8:00 am for the Standard event, 8:30 am for the Sprint event, and 8:45 am for the Mini event. The prize giving will be held on 3 Sunday at 17:30 at Brewer & Butcher.

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