KMS Events E-News - March 2011

6 Reasons to Run a Marathon

Marathons are huge worldwide. In fact, some marathons have more runners than the populations of many towns. Pretty impressive in my view. Why do thousands and thousands of people run a marathon?

1. Health benefits - If you're going to run marathon, chances are you're a regular runner or just beginning with intentions to run regularly. Running regularly is a very health activity - both physically and mentally. Don't fall victim to the talk about running injuries - yes it can happen, but you can prevent running injuries. Face it, all activity has risks - martial arts, weight lifting, racket sports... you name it, physical activity can result in injury. However, the benefits health running provides, if done properly, outweighs any chance of injury. Besides, if you're not into running, many marathons offer walking.

2. Sense of achievement - Finishing a marathon is one of those feats that in my view, qualify as a lifetime achievement. Many "must do in a lifetime" lists (a.k.a. bucket lists), include completing a marathon. Such an achievement is exciting, inspiring, and something to hold onto for a lifetime.

3. Training motivation - When it's time to do a run and you're thinking of skipping, your marathon plan is an excellent motivator to get out there and run. Not every run all year long need be a training run; however, in order to complete a marathon, it helps to run consistently. Because marathons demand so much, marathon training will also motivate you to stick to any crosstraining and/or core work you do to improve your overall training.

4. Comaraderie - Runners have something in common. It's exciting to share the pavement with thousands of other runners who, like you, have sacrificed and trained to finish one of the greatest physical feats you can do.

5. Travel - Pick any city in the world and chances are it has a marathon. Running in a marathon is an excellent reason to travel and see a city. If you run two, three, or five marathons a year, think of all the great places you get to visit. Turn the marathon weekend into a week-long trip and see the area. Besides, you'll get so see so much of the city just running the 26.2 miles.

6. Fun and thrilling - What could be more exciting and fun than finishing a marathon - and to do so with thousands of fellow runners? It's tough for many runners; we all aren't elite runners. However, to finish a marathon is exciting and thrilling and emotional - all in a positive sense that it will be an event that resonates with you your entire life.

If you aren't planning on running in a marathon, what's holding you back? Is it lack of time to train? Is it fear that you won't be able to finish? If you have the desire to finish a marathon, check out an elite marathon training program, or if you're training for your first marathon, check out marathon training for beginners.

Maybe you have other reasons to run a marathon. In any event, there is no time like today to start training. Stop asking why you should run a marathon and start training now. The fact is there is no downside to simply train for a marathon. Even if you don't finish a marathon, you'll improve your health dramatically and feel better. Next, get a jump on your training - especially consistent training by getting a treadmill for your home. Compare hundreds of treadmills in this huge treadmill comparison chart.Or, if you like crosstraining, check out the many fitness equipment reviews here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_J._Bancroft

Upcoming Platinum Events

Marysville to Melbourne Multisport Challenge - Victoria - 10 April 2011

Welcome to the Marysville to Melbourne Multisport Challenge … a race that starts in Victoria's regional heartland and concludes at the very core of Melbourne's metropolis; a race that combines the time honoured sports of trail running, road cycling and flat water paddling into one epic journey; a race that will challenge amateurs and experts in equal measure as they pitch themselves against an iconic course from start to finish. Welcome to the pre-eminent multisport race in Australia.
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Bondi to Bronte Ocean Swim - Sydney - 4 December 2011

The Bondi to Bronte Ocean Swim has become one of the classics on the Sydney Ocean Swim calendar. The swim runs between the first two Surf Life Saving clubs in the world. The course starts in front of Bondi Surf Club, runs out from Bondi, around McKenzies point and down the coast into Bronte Beach, a distance of 2.2 - 2.5km (depending on the positioning of the buoy off McKenzies point). Starting and finishing at two different beaches is one of the unique aspects of this journey. It gives the competitors a real sense of achievement.
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Win a Shotz Prize Hamper

Send us your Profile

Send us your profile before 1st May 2011 for your chance to one of two Shotz Hampers. These fabulous prize packs include Shotz Energy Gels, Shot Electrolyte Tablets, Shotz Energy Bars and a Shotz Drink bottle. Fuel for your body and mind with this cutting edge nutrition for athletes. The winner will be notified by email and posted in the KMS Events E-News.
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Event Reports

Illawarra Aquathlon

I am thrilled to once again announce that the 2011 Australia Day Illawarra Aquathon was a phenomenal success and firmly entrenches the swim and run event as the leading Aquathon in the country. The 13th edition was spectacular in all regards with record 1800 participants, a fantastic charity drive haul of near $19,000, our largest ever prize and give away pool, and attracted an estimated 3000+ spectator field.

The event was held in a fun well spirited atmosphere, attracted wide spread praise, and what many agree presented outstanding value for participant. All events ran on time and the improvements in time/wave splits and registration lead to further participant enjoyment and value.

Across the three events, Kids Aquafun (200m swim / 2km run), Short Aqua (400m swim / 3km run) and Long Aqua (900m swim / 7km run) over 96 categories were awarded. All kids in the Aquafun also were presented with a unique Australia Day Aquathon finisher medallion, that was worn with immense pride. It was also pleasing to see our events reach extending across many interstate and regional visitors and a sprinkling of internationals also. Many of our participants are ex pat locals that make the annual pilgrimage to Wollongong to re visit family and celebrate Australia Day by taking park in an unique community event.

In fact, many return participants and supporters claimed the 2011 edition to be 'the best yet!'…The reach and appeal of the event continues to grow, as participants of all ages from five years to seventy seven years took part-, with hundreds of families along with an eclectic mix of elite athletes, interstate and international visitors, hundreds of kids and beginners to all in between. Without a doubt we are the Illawarra's stand out community fitness event and one that showcases the natural beauty of Wollongong harbour and blue mile, but of our amazing sense of national 'healthy and fun' Australia Day pride.

The day itself was picture perfect as wave after wave of entrants took to the pristine waters for the splash (swim) in Wollongong Harbour, than completed the 'dash' run section or tagged their team buddy to do so. Across the 3 courses the finish rate was near 100% and no major incident was noted.

Winners included elite junior NSWIS Triathletes Aaron Royal (Newcastle,21yrs) and Tamsyn Moana-Veale (17yrs, NZ) both coached in Wollongong under guidance of Jamie Turner (NSWIS). The field included a broad mix with some outstanding individual and team results but more so many were there more so to celebrate a fun active family oriented Australia Day, or perhaps to conquer a personal challenge, raise money for their charity of choice or to pit themselves against others and their previous times.

The site itself is a spectacular backdrop and whilst busy with all that happens around the harbour on Australia Day, the Aquathon is a shining light and iconic launch event. The 2011 Aquathon continues its proud history, and brings an amazing atmosphere that is infectious and magical. The event is a show case for Wollongong, and has become the premier event of its kind. Support in 2011 was at record levels and one need to ensure our premier status, safety and affordable entry..

We believe the formula is right and look to ensure that each sponsor is engaged with the event and benefits from our diverse multiplatform pre, during and post marketing drive. The value add is association with a amazing event that needs to be seen and felt to truly comprehend how it engages the community – Wollongong, Australia Day – IS AQUATHON! Our sincerest gratitude goes to our esteem list of sponsors, supporters, amazing volunteers, fun crowds and participants.

We look forward to your return in 2012…www.aquathlon.com.au

Nambucca Heads Announced Host of 10th Anniversary Mountain Designs GeoQuest 2011

The 10th Anniversary special edition of the Mountain Designs GeoQuest will be held from Nambucca Heads on the New South Wales North Coast from 10-13 June 2011. Organisers are expecting record numbers to attend as many teams have planned their year of racing to include the Mountain Designs GeoQuest in June, followed by the Adventure Racing World Championships in Tasmania in November.

The 10th anniversary will see many celebrations and unique surprise inclusions both on the course and off. Craig Bycroft said "As well as a birthday cake of course, we are looking forward to including an adventure leg never before included in any of our previous races." Entries open on 7 Feb 2011. For great discounts competitors should take advantage of the 3 week period of early bird entries. 2011 will see over 500 competitors, support crew, family and friends travel to this premier adventure race of the year. The White Albatross Holiday Park, Nambucca Heads, will be the official Headquarters of the event. Not only is a great HQ for an adventure race, but it is also the perfect location to bring family and friends for a short holiday.

Mountain Designs GeoQuest involves 48+hrs of non-stop endurance racing in the major disciplines of trekking, mountain biking and kayaking. Mixed, Male or Female teams of four must navigate their way through an arduous 200+km course that is only revealed to them the evening before the race. The Mountain Designs GeoQuest is held annually on the Queens Birthday long weekend in June. The race is moved each year to a different location with exciting new challenges for the teams. The Geo-Half adventure race is run at the same time as the Mountain Designs GeoQuest. It covers only half the distance but teams have the full 48hrs to complete it. The legs will be challenging, but with the additional time available to complete the half course, teams have a greater chance to reach the finish line.

Organisers would like to thank Mountain Designs for their incredible support of the 10 years of the event. The event also receives great support from its associate sponsors UltraFit Magazine and VeroFit.

The website has been updated with the latest information www.geoquest.com.au

8th Glacier Bike Downhill Race in Saas-Fee

From 3'500m down to 1'800m. The 8th annual Glacier Downhill Bike Race will be held on March 26th, 2011 in Saas-Fee. This is no usual ride over hill and dale this race goes rather over ice and snow down to the glacier village. The riders will start in a mass at 3'500m. During the first half of the race enthralling fights are guaranteed to ensue for the lead position. It's a race without spikes and with high velocity of 144 h/km. This year there is prize money in the value of 5'000 Swiss Francs.

The mass start is on the Mittelallalin station at an altitude of 3'500m and goes down over the snowy and icy slopes to the glacier village at 1'800m. The riders have to manage 1'700 metres of altitude difference and 8 km of distance. First they ride on a narrow trail along the Fee glacier, which leads them to the panorama hill. For less experienced racers this is a real challenge. The hill is steep and has to be crossed at high speed. High velocities of about 144 h/km have been measured per GPS on that part of the trail.

Further down, the ride leads past the restaurant Morenia before entering the Valley run. This is going to be a very exciting part of the race with extremely steep passages, flat transits, narrow curves, and is a real assessment for the rider and his material. The last part of the ride, a very flat passage, needs strength to be managed. The decision who is going to be the winner is often taken during this part of the race. Shortly before the route the way becomes a little steeper. After reaching the desired end of the race, the award ceremony will take place, and in the evening the riders party will be at the Living Room.

For more information visit: www.saas-fee.ch/glacierbike