Aquathlon: NX113 to serve as platform to select athletes for 2023 SEA Games

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- The NeptuneX113 (NX113) Aquathlon Putrajaya 2023 to be held on Feb 4, will provide a platform for Malaysians to represent the country at the upcoming SEA Games in Cambodia, next May.

According to a statement from the organiser, the elite category of the NX113 Aquathlon – where participants complete a 500 metre (m) swim before transitioning to a 2.5 kilometre (km) run around the Putrajaya Lake - will serve as the 2023 SEA Games qualifier for local athletes.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Triathlon Association (MTA) president Tony Tan said the selection process in NX113 would include time trials and compliance with regulations set by the Olympic Council Malaysia before those who qualified can represent the country in the aquathlon, which will make its debut in the biennial Games.

“Aquathlon in Malaysia has always been in the shadows of its bigger sibling, the duathlon and the triathlon. We hope this event will boost the popularity of the sport, especially by making it the SEA Games qualifier.

“With aquathlon making its debut in the SEA Games, we’re confident that it will eventually narrow the gap, however, a little nudge would go a long way and it starts from the grassroots. My message to all the participants…Race safe, race well and have fun,” he said in the same statement.

Those who wish to compete at the NX113 Aquathlon can sign up at registration@neptunextreme.com while the early bird prices for the race start from RM160 for (Super Sprint/Elite), RM290 (Standard) and RM220 (Sprint).

The NX113 Aquathlon is held concurrently with the first SEA Open Water Swimming Championships 2023 from February 2-4 and will have three categories, namely 5 km, 10km marathon and 4x1.5km relay.

-- BERNAMA