Boost for Aquathlon’s profile as it’ll be held as qualifier for SEA Games

Splish splash: Participants of the 2016 Ultra Aquathlon in Putrajaya in action.

PETALING JAYA: The NeptuneX113 (NX113) Aquathlon Putrajaya 2023 to be held on Feb 4 next year will offer Malaysians a chance to represent the country at the SEA Games in Cambodia next year.

Aquathlon will make its debut and feature alongside other two multi-discipline siblings – the triathlon and duathlon – at the biennial Games for the first time from May 5-17.

The Elite category of the NX113 Aquathlon – where participants complete a 500m swim before transitioning to a 2.5km run around the Putrajaya Lake – will serve as the 2023 SEA Games qualifier for local athletes.

Other NX113 Aquathlon categories include the Standard (1.5km/10km run), Sprint (750m swim/5km run) and Super Sprint categories (500m swim/2.5km run).

Interested participants who wish to register for the Elite category must submit their details through their respective triathlon state associations.

Only the Elite category competitors will be eligible for the SEA Games qualifying race.

Malaysia Triathlon Association (MTA) president Tony Tan said the NX113 Aquathlon, being held in a national qualifier for the SEA Games, will raise the sport’s profile.

“Aquathlon in Malaysia has always been in the shadows of its bigger siblings, the duathlon and the triathlon. We hope this event will boost the sport’s popularity, especially after making it a SEA Games qualifier,” said Tony.

“In general, over and above a qualifying race, the process would include time trials and compliance of regulations set by the Olympic Council of Malaysia.

“With aquathlon making its debut in the SEA Games, we are 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!”

Early bird prices for the NX113 Aquathlon Putrajaya race are as follows: Standard (RM290), Sprint (RM220) and Super Sprint/Elite (RM150).

The NX113 Aquathlon is held concurrently with the 1st SEA Open Water Swimming Championships 2023 (SEAOWSC), which is taking place from Feb 2-4.

The categories for the SEAOWSC include the 5km, 10km Marathon and 4x1.5km relay events.

The picturesque Putrajaya Lake is seen as the ideal competition venue, having hosted the 7th Asian Open Water Swimming Championship and SEA Games events back in 2017.