Enticer Triathlon, as its name suggests, is aimed at enticing people to triathlon through a simpler version of the demanding sport. Popular in Australia, it has a following in many other parts of the world. French teacher Ramanujar Moulana and market research analyst Pravin Shekar, who share an obsession with fitness, have introduced it in Chennai. In less than six months, the duo has organised two Enticer Triathlon events and is working towards the third one scheduled for October 20.
“Olympic Triathlon requires contestants to swim one-and-a-half km, cycle 40 km and run 10 km. Ironman Triathlon, organised by the World Triathlon Organisation, requires participants to run 3.68 km, cycle 180.25 km and run 42.2 km. Now compare these figures with those for a typical Enticer Triathlon event — a 300-mt swim followed by a 20-km bicycle ride and a three-km run. The relative ease of an Enticer Triathlon is its greatest charm,” says Ramanujar. “Besides athletes training for traditional forms of triathlon, fitness freaks are drawn to this mini-triathlon for its ability to promote cross-training.”
Avid cyclists with memberships in the Tamil Nadu Cycling Club, Ramanujar and Pravin tried Enticer Triathlon to “break the monotony that arose from pursuing a single sport”. “Much as we love cycling, we noticed that it had led us into a rut. We craved for some variety and discovered this engaging sport,” says Ramanujar.
Calling themselves t3tribe (short for The Triathlon Tribe), they organised their maiden Enticer Triathlon event this June. “We were looking around us for participants. Being a marathoner-swimmer-cyclist, Pravin Sekar invited his contacts. Just as clued into these three disciplines, I invited mine,” says Ramanujar. “For the benefit of those who can’t swim, we organised a duathlon, which involves cycling 20 km and running five km back-to-back.” The fact that TI Cycles is providing t-shirts for the participants in this edition — as it did in the last — points to a growing enthusiasm and support for the initiative.
A duathlon too
“As usual, we are conducting a duathlon in addition to the mini-triathlon. The event (October 20) will start around 5.30 a.m. at the SDAT Aquatic Complex. After the swimming leg, mini-triathlon participants would get on their cycles and do a 20-km ride (which ends somewhere near Sholinganallur on OMR), together with those signed up for the duathlon. The running leg will take place on the Buckingham Canal Road that runs parallel to ECR and OMR,” says Ramanujar.
“Registration fees for the Enticer Triathlon (Rs. 300) and the duathlon (Rs. 200) is payable at Pro-Bikers, Kottivakkam on OMR, and BSA Go Shop at Kodambakkam. Breakfast and refreshments will be provided. T1 will give away t-shirts. Students are eligible for a 50 per cent concession.”
(For details, call 98840-23123)
