Melaka River to be used for international triathlon

Melaka River water has been tested and found to be safe for recreational activities. — filepic

MELAKA: The International Melaka River Challenge 2018 is expected to attract 1,500 local and foreign participants.

State tourism, river and coastal development deputy executive councillor Datuk Ghazale Muhamad said the two-day competition from April 28 aims to introduce Melaka River as a venue for a triathlon, which involves swimming, cycling and running for both amateurs and professionals of all ages.

“We intend to promote sports through the river after the Drainage and Irrigation Department found that the river water was safe for recreational activities.

“As such, the public need not worry about the cleanliness of Melaka River,” he said in a press conference here.

The programme organised by Melaka River and Coastal Development Corporation with the cooperation of Qaarmal Swimming Centre will have five categories.

They are individual junior aged six to 13 involving a 150m swim, 4km ride and 500m run.

Participants aged 14 to 17 in the individual junior category will compete in a 300m swim, 8km ride and 1km run while the Olympic category sees participants swim for 1.5 km, cycle 36km and run 10km and the relay team will do a 1.5km swim, 36km ride and 10km run while the Fun Run only involves a 4km run.

“The events will indirectly become a platform to attract local and foreign tourists to Melaka to watch the competition held for the first time,” he said.

Register online via www.melakarivercruise.my until March 28 to take part in the event with prizes worth more than RM24,000. – Bernama