Sundays round 2 of the About IT Triathlon Summer Series in Port Elizabeth is expected to draw a record entry and another exciting tussle between the undefeated ladies champion and the young up and coming challenger who have gone head to head over this sprint distance course for the past year.
Top PE all-round athlete, Liza Bright, has made the Triathlon Summer Series here own since 2010, extending her lead to 7 wins last Sunday with a top 10 overall finish during round 1 to win the ladies category in a fast 1hr 14min. The 30 year old, who is also the reigning Nelson Mandela Bay Urban Run Champion, is looking stronger than ever this season but is only too aware of the challenge behind her from the young professional show jumper Jade Hooke. Hooke at just 22 years old has been runner up for the past 4 Summer Series events having come into the Summer Series during round 3 in 2010 where she placed 3rd and has since been the sole challenger to Bright’ Series domination.
Similarly in the the Men’s category, EP triathlon champion Dan Howitz started the defence of his Series title with another win on Sunday following on his two wins last season whilst Ryan Peter is searching for the form which saw him win Round 3 of the Series back in 2010. Since that victory in Port St Francis, Peter placed 2nd throughout the Series in 2011 and again last Sunday morning.
Despite the strong challenges taking place on the leaderboard, the appeal of the About IT Triathlon Summer Series is it’s fun atmosphere which attracts social and novice triathletes each year. Whether it’s families or friends combining to form a team or a budding future Ironman, the Series offers the opportunity to challenge yourself with a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.
Online registration for Round 2 is possible on www.trisummerseries.co.za and closes on Friday with late entries being taken on Sunday morning at Pollok Beach from 7am. The triathlon starts at 8am and is followed by prize giving just after 10am. The Series will conclude with round 3 on Wednesday 26th December at Port St Francis with entries being taken online or at Sea Center at the Port.
Liza Bright
