Pro-Am Tri Series concludes successfully

The final triathlon from the Pro-Am Tri Series concluded successfully recently at the NCC, bringing the very first multisport racing event of this calibre to a close for 2018. The triathlon comprised three disciplines; swimming, cycling and running and participants from varied degrees of capabilities and from all walks of life took part in the races. 

The series includes races categorised under age groups where male and female athletes can compete for categories, namely Elite – for the pros, age groups of 18-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 50 and above as well as mixed relay teams. 

The athletes were involved in the triathlon which was segmented into a 600m swim, a 20km cycle ride and a 5km run. Amongst the participants for the Elite category for male athletes, K. S. Udayanga, P. H. Raja Dharmapala and S. M. S. Samarasinghe came on top. L. K. G. K. K. Dassanayake and P. G. D. A. Gunathilaka from the female Elite category also emerged as winners. 

Under the 20-29 age group for male athletes, Shenaal Chandiram, Sudar Suhail and Kisal Hewage were named winners. Under the same age group for female athletes, Puvini Kahandawala, Charya Dharmadasa and Deethri Samarajeewa came on top. 

Under the 30-39 age group for male athletes, Greg Enjalbert, Mevan Gunawardena and Asanka Dissanayake performed well and emerged as winners while female athletes who also came on top from this age group included Asha De Vos, Theruni Wijewardena and Petra Spencer. 

Athletes who competed under the 40-49 age group and were named winners included male athletes Olivier Estienne, Mahendra Angampodi and Chris McFall and female athlete Sarah Potts. Finally, for the 50 and above age group, male athletes who recorded the best time and named winners comprised David Hall, Suren Abeysuriya and Johann Peries and female athletes Agnus Safford, Anudini Liyanage and Nadia Ishaq. 

Athletes who recorded the best overall performance at the Tri Series and were eligible to gain free entry to the much anticipated Ironman 70.3 Colombo Triathlon scheduled on 24 February 2019 were Mewan Gunawardena, Shenaal Chandiram, Puvini Kahandawala and Petra Spencer. The Tri Series first commenced with the Aquathlon on 30 September, followed by the Duathlon on 28 October and finally, the Triathlon in November. Not only did pros and amateurs take part here but the series also proved as an influential platform for differently-abled and visually impaired athletes who also took part in the races. The races had no doubt helped highlight the strength of the human spirit and helped many people realise their potential and strengths in the process. 

For more information about the upcoming IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo Triathlon races and to register, [email protected].