(6/29/2009)
Over 326 athletes from 26 countries swam, cycled and ran in Bali on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in the 3rd MRA Bali International Triathlon.
Returning to once again claim first place honors was professional triathlete Luke McKenzie who managed to cover the 1.5 km swim, 750 meter beach run, 40 km bike ride through the hills of the Ungasan peninsula and a 10 km run though the village of Jimbaran in only 2:10:15. The man who spends his professional life participating in and winning triathlons, continues to laud Bali as his favorite triathlon destination. Luke's appearance at this year's event, together with that of fellow athlete Amanda Balding, was made possible through he support of Garuda Indonesia.
In the individual triathlete division, second to Luke's first was claimed by Swede Fredrick Nus Cruneberg who clocked across the finish line at 2:13:57, followed in third place by Australian Kyle James Gear with a time of 2:23:15.
The top Indonesian time was turned in by Kadri Regar who placed 8th with a time of 2:29:31.
The top performance turned in by a female individual triathlete was 2:36.39 recorded by Australian Michele Ann Gailey, who placed 14th overall.
Winning a special cash prize presented by the Bali Hotel Association, the best 3-member team was from the Kartika Plaza Hotel who covered the entire race in 2:28:43 followed in second-place by the Bali Trail Blazers Team at 2:26:43
Held simultaneously with the main triathlon event was a 5 km fun run. The top three slots were all claimed by Indonesian runners, Albert Trai Kumlasi with a first-place time of 15:59, followed by Ketut Darma Tutme (16:58) and Kristianus Ore Roto (17:43).
The triathlon race got underway just before 7:00 a.m. when a contingent of Bali Life Savers (Balawista) departed the shore followed by the actual swim start, signaled off by the Regent of Badung, Anak Agung Gde Agung.
As the racers transacted the south Bali course, a lively party commenced at the Four Seasons Resort's Coconut Grover with live music by local band Ardo and Delights, games, live radio broadcasts by Hard Rock Radio, food, drink and a local bazaar. Hundred of athletes and spectators spent a memorable morning watching the race from the Four Season's Coconut Grove and the adjoining transition area at the Intercontinental Resort Bali.
[Link for Complete Race Results]
© Bali
Discovery Tours. Articles may be quoted and reproduced
if attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com.
