The NTURO is a biathlon activity which involves in 6 laps of swim, followed by 2km run repeated in 3 times. There are individual and relay team categories for this activity.
Joining this for the first time, when it has already been around for sometime. Being an university event, it draws mainly the students to the race but there were of course some public folks like me who went for the challenge.
Hall where you take the race items and do body marking. There is also a bag drop
Race banner
official website: https://nturo.ntuaquathlon.com/
Naturally not a good swimmer, I really never bother much about my swimming even though I had taken part in Ultra biathlon and triathlons. I just felt given my physique it is quite difficult to be a good swimmer and besides I am more apt to running.
I chanced upon this event when I was browsing through Facebook events ( sometimes I just like to do that since I can be quite free). Looking at the distance it is not that bad having done biathlons and triathlons before I am quite sure I can finish it. But I felt that the challenge will be having to break up the run and swim which is something I had not tried before.
RACE EVENT
Race pack
The race pack collection is on the event day itself on the 16th of March. My wave starts at 9 am but I went in early ( after a hard core drinking session the day before) just to get ready and I thought NTU was really far West, the travelling time might take long. The main hall of the Sports and Recreation Centre was where all the action were. However, there were not many participants and they were mainly students. This make this event very homely. My category has 7 ladies only. 3 of whom I thought were really here for the podium!
Swimming pool
Running end
transition area
The rest of us were really just there to complete the event. There were 3 rounds of swim in the pool, the transition area and the run is just 2 km around the campus ground.
Race kit was packed in an Anti Drugs cloth bag, all participants were given lock shoe laces and swimming caps, which I thought was really useful. Last but not least the race singlet. There were sponsored lychee drinks for all along the way.
Volunteers were strewn around the race route and also at the swimming pool area. Each participants were given a time chip to wear on their wrists and they have to tap in and out of the laps, and also the run.
Timing chip
The transition point is where you will change your running shoes to swim gear and back. Repeat for three times and you can finish up!
Finishers’ tees were given after the completing. There was also lucky draw but I did not stay for it and the prize giving for the top 3.
Overall
Running Leg
Another race that brings back memories of school. Given the affordable race fees, I will come back again next year and treat it as a training!