KRALENDIJK – On Sunday, November 1, Bonaire will host a triathlon in which participants swim, cycle and run. The first edition of the Triathlon Bonaire is organized by Indebon and will take place at Isidel Park. The start is at 6:30 a.m.
During the triathlon, participants will swim 750 meters, cycle 20 kilometers and run five kilometers. There are several categories, including the elite category, the swim-run category and relay teams.
According to organizer Ghislaine Makaai, this is the first time Indebon is organizing a triathlon itself. She says the event fits with the growing interest in sports activities on the island. “We notice that more and more people are coming to our events, including many foreigners. With the triathlon, we want to challenge people to push their limits and to engage with sports in a different way,” says Makaai.
Relay Teams
Participants can take part individually or sign up as a team. In the relay, a team consists of three people, with each participant taking on one leg. One person swims, the second cycles and the third runs. “So you can take on the challenge together with two others. Everyone does their own leg,” Makaai explains.
The triathlon is also part of Indebon’s broader range of sports activities. The organization wants to encourage participants to take part in different events. According to Makaai, the idea is that people who take part in multiple events in the Indebon Series can eventually collect a medal. Together, the medals form a puzzle.
Safety and Traffic Measures
The organization has received permission to hold the event. For the swimming leg, it is working with STINAPA, which is providing rangers to help monitor safety in the water. Consultations have also been held with the authorities involved regarding traffic measures. “There are not many suitable boat ramps on Bonaire for organizing the swimming leg. Actually, I would prefer to hold the triathlon in town, but for this edition, Isidel Park gives us the space,” says Makaai. “It will be a bit tight there. Next year, I want to look at whether we can organize the event in Kralendijk.”
During the triathlon, several roads will be temporarily closed. This does not mean that all roads will be closed entirely, but at certain locations, streets will be fully closed. The organization has consulted with the Public Entity of Bonaire (Openbaar Lichaam Bonaire) on this matter. Makaai says the authorities will communicate the traffic measures.
The organization is calling on residents who are not participating to come and take a look on Sunday. “Come into town and watch the participants. It’s great to see how many people are getting involved in sports.”
Registration
Several participant spots are available for the triathlon. The organization is targeting individual participants and relay teams, among others. A limited number of spots is available for the team categories.
You can register online via Race Roster. The Triathlon Bonaire starts on Sunday, November 1, at 6:30 a.m. at Isidel Park.
