Early bird entries for the 2012 Midlands ULTRA Triathlon Series close soon, so hurry to get the 2011 entry prices.. Dubbed "SA's Fastest Ultra Triathlon", this exciting ½ iron man distance event takes place on Sunday the 4th of March 2012 at Midmar dam.

With the event now being made into a Series of 2 events, the interest from competitors around South Africa has been fantastic. The first event in the 2012 Series takes place in March, with the second event taking place on the 7th of October. Although a series, both events will have separate prize money allocations and will be run independently. The Latest news from the Midlands Ultra Organisers, B-Active Sports, is that they have signed up supporting Sponsors, GU Energy, FINIS Swimming accessories and Xterra Wetsuits SA to the 2012 Series. GU Energy will be providing crucial product for the athletes while on the Bike and running route, while FINIS and Xterra will be giving athletes discounts on equipment and prizes.

At each of the events, an ULTRA and Sprint race will be staged. The Ultra race will consist of a 1.9km Swim, 90km Cycle and a 21km run and the Sprint distance race, will consist of a 600m swim, 20km cycle and a 5km run. This "Tri-Series" will give competitors an exciting long distance tri-series to work towards throughout the year.

A new running route has been set for the 2012 races, which will be taking athletes along the tar roads alongside Midmar Dam. This new running route will keep the competitors on tar for the complete 21km run course, making it safer, faster and easier for the athletes. The Run course will be an out and back look consisting of 10.5km per lap. The sprint distance athletes will compete along the same course, however only taking on a short 5km distance run. The new running route also boasts 8 water tables along the 10.5km route, making sure that the athletes are kept well hydrated in a possibly hot time of year.

After a meeting with the KZN Department of Transport, Howick and RTI Police have given the 2012 Midlands Ultra partial road closure, which will see the removing of excess traffic and heavy trucks from the race route. Full road closure was discussed at the meeting, however with the R103 being a major road and running parallel with a "High Accident" area of the N3, full road closure cannot be given. With that area of the Midlands Meander being a popular destination especially on Sunday's, road closure is not a viable option.

Race organisers B-Active Sports were disappointed that full road closure was not given, however the Police have assured them that the partial road closure will push any excess traffic off the route. Only light vehicles accessing the various B&B's, Hotels, businesses and restaurants will be allowed onto the route, between 7am and 12:30pm.

"We are disappointed that full road closure was not give" said Race Director Damian Bradley, "But this is an improvement from 2011 and we hope that it will improve the athletes safety so that they can focus on the race and beautiful midlands scenery"

All levels of athletes will enjoy this unique race set in a spectacular and beautiful environment. A broad range of categories are open that cater for top athletes, weekend warriors as well as relay teams. With a healthy prize purse of R35 000, all of SA's top triathletes will be battling it out for overall line honours.

EARLY Bird entries are open until the 12th of December. Athletes entering before the 12th of December 2011 stand a chance of winning accommodation for their race weekend for 2 people, at the popular Woodridge Hotel and Spa in the Natal Midlands.

For more information on the event and to enter, go to www.midlandsultra.com or contact B-Active Sports at info@midlandsultra.com