Namibia's biggest Off-Road Triathlon gets even bigger.

The MTN Off Road Triathlon took place this Sunday at Friedenhau Dam.

Click here for all the results.
Click here for photos of the event. More photos will be added soon.

The triathlon had over 160 entrants, well exceeding last year’s number of 120. Otb Sport, the event organisers, said they were delighted with the turn out and believe triathlon in Namibia to be in a growth stage, reflecting the international trend. Otb Sport thanked MTN Business, whose representatives were present at the event, for their generous sponsorship without which this scale and calibre of event would not be possible.

Tokkie Bombosch was the overall winner of the full event and winner of the over 40 category. He completed the 1.2km swim, 22.4km hilly off-road cycle and 8.7km bush run in a time of 2h14. Tokkie Bombosch is a seasoned triathlete who has won the Namibian National Triathlon Championsips, Mariental and Old Mutual Ultra Triathlon numerous times and represented Namibia at national level for cycling and triathlon, including the Commonwealth Games. He said of the event: "It is very encouraging to see the re-birth of triathlon in Namibia. Particularly good to see such a strong representation in the Rookie and Kids categories, with a strong family element after the event. It bodes well for the future of triathlon, particularly off-road. Well done to OTB Sport and MTN!” Andy Chase was the winner of the U39 category in a time of 2h25. The first female to cross the line was Elke Jagau in a time of 2h42.

The first male team to cross the line in the full event was the Otb Sport team. Otb Sport Team completed the course in a time of 2h00. Mark Brinkmann was the swimmer, Heiko Redeker the cyclist (2008 Junior National Championship winner and third in last years Nedbank Cycle Classic) and Frans Hosea the runner (winner of last year’s Old Mutual Victory Race Series). The mixed winning team comprised Tristan Mc Donald as swimmer, Dennis Mc Donald as cyclist and Helena Ipinge as runner. They completed the course in a time of 2h20. The Female team category was won by team Smart in a time of 2h43 and comprised of Martina Buckendorf (swimmer), Ziggy Bassingthwaighte (cyclist) and Marnie Dannhauser (runner).

The rookie event comprised of a 600m swim, a 10km cycle and a 4.4km run. Overall winner and first male U39 was Pierre van Rensburg in a time of 1h06. Winner of the over 40 male category was Max Shaffer in a time of 1h25. Winner of the female rookie U39 was Marguerite De Villiers in a time of 1h19. Berrit Graf won the over 40 category in a time of 1h43.

The U12 event which comprised a 300m swim, a 5km off-road cycle and 2.9km run was won by Herbert Peters in a time of 0h38 and the female U12 by Kia Borg in a time of 1h03.

Pointbreak Oanob Swim - 1st March

The participants and spectators of the annual Pointbreak Open Water Swim, which took place this Sunday, were rewarded with perfect conditions - sunny skies, clear warm water and the Oanob dam at 100% capacity.

There were more than 80 entrants for the open water swim, and the field was a mix of both recreational swimmers and Namibia's best.

Namibia Swimming Academy(NSA) dominated the race. Six of the top ten finishers of the 2.1km main event were NSA members. Overall winner, and winner of the elite male category 13-30 years, was Alex Ray (NSA). He completed the 2.1km swim in a time of 26.05. Byron Briedenhann (NSA), was second overall and second in the elite male category, in a time of 27.05. Jonay Briedenhann (NSA) was overall third and first female elite, in a time of 28.02. Stephanus Van Zyl (NSA) took overall fourth place in a time of 28.19, and was third in the elite male 14-30 year category. Paddy Murphy (independent), 47 years of age, was overall 5th place in a time of 29.21 and first in the male category, 31+ years. The 31+ years female category was won by Bobby Jo Bassingthwaite in a time of 35.41. Bobby Jo is the only Namibian to have swum the English Channel, she was followed by top Namibian triathletes Zoe Mitchell and Charmaine Shannon. The Female 13 years and under was won by Micaela Cloete (NSA) in a time of 33.34.

The overall winner of the 700m swim, and winner of the Female 13 years and under was Christine Briedenhann (NSA) in a time of 10.12.

Event organisers, Otb Sport, said they were delighted with the turn-out and to see Namibia's best participating (young and old). They expect the event to grow from strength to strength as open water swimming catches peoples imagination.

Tony Edmunds from Pointbreak, who presented the prize giving, said that Pointbreak was very pleased with the turn out of the event, the spirit of the event and the calibre of the participants. He further said that Pointbreak would remain involved in the sponsorship of the event as they wished to contribute to sport as it promotes a healthy, balanced approach to life. The event exhibits many of the characteristics with which Pointbreak associates itself, such as excellence, endurance, zest for life, balance and an enjoyment of the beautiful natural environment which we have on our doorstep.

Click here to see all the results.

For photos of the event click here.

Pupkewitz Jetty Mile - Record Numbers

Click here for the full results.

The annual Pupkewitz Jetty Mile took place on Saturday at the Tiger Reef Beach Bar. The main event consists of a one mile sea swim from Tiger Reef, around the Jetty and into The Mole and then a one mile run back to Tiger Reef Beach Bar. For those that felt the full mile was too much a half mile swim was held at the same time in The Mole. Around 80 people participated, and the beach setting, run route and weekend ensured lots of spectators.

Undefeated overall winner and first Scholar was Max Siedentopf in a time of 38.01, showing why he is one of Namibia's best swimmers and all he was capable of in the open water. First female to cross the line was 15 year old Vera Adrian, a multi talented athlete, and top Namibian cyclist in a time of 45.10. Charmaine Shannon was first Female in the Open category in a time of 52.47. The Male Open category was won by Paul Brinkman in a time of 43.46.

The youngest participant in the full mile swim was 11 year old Tony Rostin. The oldest was 70 year old Bill Jooste, no small feat when you consider the swim distance, currents, waves and the mental element of swimming beyond the breakers in the big blue.

Otb Sports said they were delighted with the turn out and believe the event will only grow as the unique beach setting and the adrenalin of open water swimming will continue to draw in more and more participants.

First to cross the line, Max Siedentopf, received a N$1000 cash prize sponsored by CB Enterprises. Vera Adrian received N$500 in cash. N$900 of cash prizes was also sponsored by Danric Auto BMW.

Mr Pupkewitz, the primary sponsor of the event addressed the swimmers at the prize giving, key to his address was the concept of a healthy mind in a healthy body and how the discipline and competitive elements of sport were also the basis of any successful business or enterprise.

Otb sport also gives a big thanks to all the people who assisted with the organisation of the event. The time keeping and administration assistance - Samantha, Stef, Taryn and Linzi. Archie from Laramon tours for his vital assistance with water safety and setting out of buoys - without him an event like this would not be possible. Stephen (the newly web), Marc, Braam and Gregory for for invaluable assistance on the canoes and Otb Staff, especially Ron, for assistance prior to event and on the day.