“They gave me a good fight in the swimming part at the start of the race. Running was the toughest because I was already exhausted after the first two disciplines (swimming and cycling),” he added.

Zahairen finished the course comprising 300m of swimming, 6,000m cycling and 800m running in 21:15 with more than a minute advantage ahead of his closest challenger Muhammad Faiz Hashim (22:17) while Fatin Natasya Ariffin came in third 23:52.

After taking up triathlon this year, Zahairen’s father Zulkarnain Manan Abdul Manan said his son had the edge against his peers because he has a strong background in swimming.

“It is my first gold medal and had a good time because I enjoy all three events,” said Yau, six.
The recent event drew 150 participants in five age-group categories — five to six years, seven to eight years, nine to 10 years, 11 to 12 years and 13 to 15 years.

On the eve of the race, the children also had the opportunity to pick up valuable pointers in triathlon from three International Triathlon Union (ITU) certified coaches — Ungku Azhar Ungku Mohd Maznan, Stephanie Chok and Gary Choong.

National duathlete Heidilee Mohammad also assisted the trio in the clinic to educate the participants on the four key areas - swimming, transition, cycling and running.
Azhar admitted it was a tough task to attract the children’s attention especially in the seven to eight years and nine to 10 years sections.

“They were a bit playful. But, we had fun dealing with their mischievous character. We are happy with the good turnout as most of them showed up as part of their preparation for the race. It was a good learning curve. Our aim is to encourage them to improve. We had a good season introducing the event to the children.

“Our long term plan is to convince the authorities to include triathlon at the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) and BPSS,” he added.

RESULTS

— Five to Six Years: 1. Yau Wen Li 4:32, 2. Sarah Hana Mohd Shukri 4:45, 3. Uvern Chung Jamal 6:24

— Seven to Eight Years: 1. Ikhlas Ahmad 6:40, 2. Alauddin Abdul Haris 6:41, 3. Zane Ford 6:57

— Nine to 10 Years: 1. Gabriel Tan 10:48, 2. Andrew Ling Zhi-Liang 10:49, 3. Nicholas Soon 10:50

— 11 to 12 Years: 1. Nur Iman Sofea Zulkarnain 18:38, 2. Imtiaq Ahmad 19:24, 3. Nur Adilla Izzati Azharrudin 19:25

— 13 to 15 Years: 1. Mohd Zahairen Manan Zulkarnain 21:15, 2. Muhammad Faiz Hashim 22:17, 3. Fatin Natasya Ariffin 23:52

The Star : Wednesday October 22, 2008

By NG WEI LOON

TRIKIDZ will complete the third and final leg of their triathlon clinic and race for children aged five to 15 years at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia in Sungai Besi on Nov 29 and 30.

Race director Hairul Azwar Hashim said that 100% success had been attained with strong support from parents in spurring the beginners in finishing the race thus far.

"Newcomers are afraid of having a go at the triathlon because they are intimidated by the swimming discipline. We are allowing the children to use swimming aids such as kickboards and other floatation devices."

Best foot forward: A participant in transition to prepare for the final running leg.

"The lifeguards on duty will also ensure the children's safety in the pool. They can compete in any type of bicycle for the cycling leg. But, they are required to put on their helmets," he added.

The opening leg of the year drew 20 participants and this was followed by an increase of 10 entries at the recent event.

From the previous two meets, the organisers have identified three budding triathletes Mohd Zairin Manan Zulkarnain, Fatin Natasha and Nur Iman Sofia Zulkarnain with a sound background in swimming.

The trio have also done well in the junior sprint races over the distance of 400m swim, 15km cycle and 2km run at the triathlons in Port Dickson and Malacca.

For the upcoming event, the organisers can accommodate up to 100 competitors.

On the run: The young competitors moving forward to complete the race.

The five age-group categories are five to six years, seven to eight years, nine to 10 years, 11 to 12 years and 13 to 15 years.

Entry fee is RM50 for each participant. Entry closes on November 21.

On the eve of the race, the youngsters will get the opportunity to pick up valuable pointers from two International Triathlon Union (ITU) certified coaches - Ungku Azhar and Stephanie Chok - at a clinic.

Besides educating the participants on proper transition techniques for the event comprising three disciplines (swim, cycle and run), the duo will be sharing their knowledge and expertise on nutrition, pacing and racing tactics.

Pedal power: A girl participant covering the distance on the cycling course.

"We have allocated four segments for the clinic. Although it is not compulsory for the participants to attend, we are encouraging them to turn up because it will help them to prepare for the race with a better understanding of the sport."

"We are adopting the distances outlined by the ITU for the respective age-groups. Our aim is to create an avenue for the children to have a feel of combining the three disciplines together," Azwar said.

Next year, the organisers intend to introduce the initiative outside the Klang Valley and conduct similar programmes in Johor, Sabah and Sarawak.