There’s something about the Powerman Asia Duathlon Championships in Malaysia that inspires runners to write about their experiences, so our preparations for next year began with reading a series of blogs that gave us insights into what we can expect. First, who knew so many runners could be gathered at Putrajaya for this annual event?
Trying to get our minds wrapped around 3,300 registered runners wasn’t easy, and while athletes from The Netherlands and Hungary took top honours on 5 March 2017, Malaysian athletes didn’t disappoint: Jason Loh is now our official hero for an amazing 5th place finish in the overall elite category.
Jason elevated himself from 8th to 5th in just a year, so he’s the guy to watch in 2018—whether you watch the race from the sidelines or challenge yourself to be part of it.
The 2018 Powerman is also for powerboys and powergirls!
While the Powerman, known as the premier long-distance duathlon across the planet, has been around since 2002, organisers had no clue Malaysia would become a brand epicenter, surpassing other nationally-sponsored Powerman duathlons in terms of attendance and popularity.
In fact, 2017 was so impressive, the “Malaysia Book of Records” conferred “Largest Participation in a Duathlon Championship” honours upon this celebration of athletic prowess.
That’s a lot to live up to, but given the nation’s passion for running plus a growing hunger for duathlons and triathlons, planners aren’t shy about wanting to exceed the 2017 record of 3,300 registered runners. When athletes and their entourages show up next March, things will heat up big time, says an event organiser who credits the addition of Powerkids, a family-focused event, with driving Powerman’s popularity even higher.
“This new event drew a crowd,” says Barbara Lam. “Two-hundred children, ages 5- to 12-years, took part at the inaugural Powerkids programme initiated by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd,” she explained, so you’ve no excuse to leave the kids home if you sign up for the 2018 Powerman because they will have a race of their own to run.
What better way to instill in your children the importance of being active in a country that prizes this virtue as part of its social mission to keep people active, healthy and motivated?
Put Putrajaya on your run calendar now
We weren’t joking when we described the flood of participants showing up in Putrajaya to compete with athletes at all skill levels, ages and experience last March, so you’d better act on your urge to be part of the excitement soon. The Powerman is to be held on Saturday and Sunday, 3 and 4 March, and the venue remains the same as in 2017, but you’ll want to arrive early to get accustomed to the route and pick up your materials.
Before you alter your workout schedule or bolster your running wardrobe, you can register at Spacebib to make certain there’s a slot reserved in your name. Bringing buddies or the family? Secure their places, too, with a single visit to Spacebib.
Don’t forget your equipment, dudes and dudettes
If you’re a duathlon newbie, no worries. We’ve got you covered. You’ll need a proper bike. Visit this website to ascertain which type will work best for you during the cycling portion of the Powerman so you’re poised to leave competitors in your dust.
Next, earmark Friday, 2nd March. It’s the designated race pack pick-up date, and since there’s only a 9-hour window to collect your stuff (between 1000 a.m. to 1900 p.m.), don’t oversleep. Whether you intend to retrieve swag for Powerkids or Powerman, the earlier you show up at Cempaka Sari Auditorium, the more confident you’ll feel.
Make it a runcation, too
Whether Putrajaya is your usual stomping grounds or you’ve never before visited this amazing place, set aside time to explore. This paradise was built on marshland and former oil palm plantations in Selangor and it’s just 25km from teeming Kuala Lumpur with that city’s vast array of magical sights, sounds and tastes.
Prepare to be impressed when you see parks and wetlands, but it’s the European feel of city streets that is likely to capture your imagination as you stroll past buildings that are an amalgam of modern architecture and Islamic styling. If you can spend more time here, the entire nation will welcome you, so wrap your plans into a neat bundle by exploring more of Malaysia while you’re here.
Did we leave anything out? Probably! This is, after all, a world-class event in a place that’s welcoming, gorgeous and fascinating. Perhaps you’ll even run into Jason Loh, last year’s star!
Are you more likely to sign up for a duathlon or triathlon now that these types of athletic events have become trendy or will you stick to your usual “ground run” because it’s all you need to keep you fit and happy?
Registration for the 2018 Powerman Asia Duathlon Championships is now open. Sign up now by clicking the button below!
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