International Melaka River Challenge 2018 To Draw 1,500 Participants

MELAKA (Melaka, Malaysia) Jan 29 (Bernama) -- The two-day International Melaka River Challenge 2018 starting April 28 is expected to attract 1,500 local and foreign participants, says State Tourism, River and Coastal Development Deputy Executive Councillor Ghazale Muhamad. He said among others, the competition was aimed at introducing Melaka River as a venue for triathlon, which involves three disciplines, namely swimming, cycling and running for both amateurs and professionals of all ages. "We intend to promote sports through the river after monitoring by the Drainage and Irrigation Department found the quality of river cleanliness is safe for recreational activities. "Therefore, members of the public need not worry about the cleanliness of Melaka River for any recreational activities,” he told a press conference in conjunction with the programme here Monday. Ghazale said the programme organised by Melaka River and Coastal Development Corporation with the cooperation of Qaarmal Swimming Centre would have five categories namely individual junior aged six to 13 involving 150-m swim, 4-km ride and 500-m run. Participants aged 14 to 17 in the individual junior will compete in a 300-m swim, 8-km ride and 1-km run while the Olympic category sees participants swim for 1.5 km, cycle 36 km and run 10 km while the relay team involved 1.5-km swim, 36-km ride and 10-km run and the Fun Run only involves a 4-km run. "The events will indirectly become a platform to attract local and foreign tourists to Melaka to watch the competition held for the first time,” he said. Interested parties can register online via www.melakarivercruise.my and registration will remain open until March 28 to take part in the event which promises prizes worth more than RM24,000 (US$6,192). (US$1 = RM3.87) -- BERNAMA