On Oct 18, 11global Singapore, the world's first Olympic-distance night triathlon, will see athletes tackle a 1.5km swim, 40km of cycling and a 10km run from 6pm.

Triathletes will be flagged off, plunging into the waters off East Coast Park at five-second intervals, before cycling to the Central Business District for a multi-loop bike course.

Finally, they will run two laps of a route similar to that of the F1 street circuit and end at the Padang.

Ryan Landy, who heads the US-based triathlon promotion company 11global, told The Straits Times that the idea of a night triathlon in Singapore was born during his first visit here in December 2006.

The USA Triathlon-certified race director said the city's wide, smooth roads and aesthetic beauty were 'ideal conditions for an urban triathlon'.

'A night race came to my mind when I noticed how well-lit the city is,' he added.

More lighting, though, will be provided for the swimming leg and certain dark areas on the cycling and running legs.

'Safety in the swim is my biggest concern,' said Landy.

Peter Wong of Fronterra, a local sports event management company helping Landy to organise the race, said 1,000-watt lights, similar to those used in stadiums that simulate daylight, will be set up on the beach.

For safety, Wong said the swim course will be marked out by lane rope and follow the coastline, instead of the out-and-back swim courses seen in regular triathlons.

Two ambulances and a medical team will be on site, while watercraft and lifeguards will patrol the swim.

Less confident swimmers can choose to start the race first, during the fading light at 6pm.

The time-trial start will also avoid the 'human washing machine' effect of a mass start in regular triathlons, said Landy.

The Singapore Tourism Board, Triathlon Association of Singapore and Singapore Sports Council (SSC) have all given their support for the race.

The SSC has even promoted it internationally by advertising in triathlon magazines in the United States, Australia and Britain.

Registration, which is capped at 2,000 participants, costs US$160 (S$217) for individuals and US$350 for relay teams till July 15.

Thereafter until Sept 20, it will cost US$195 (individuals) and US$400 (teams).

Since registration for the race opened last month, Landy said there has been 'a lot of interest with several registered athletes'. He expects numbers to pick up closer to the event.

Added Wong: 'A key concern for us is the participants' experience, rather than marketing the race. We believe that over time, news of the race will spread.'

Recreational triathlete Lee Junior, 32, said he was 'really keen' to do the race.

'Cycling and running at night is cooler and more comfortable - but it's very normal for me because that's when I train,' he said.

'But what attracted me was the swim. It's a new experience. I'm looking forward to swimming at night.'

Landy will be here to test the swim course and lighting tomorrow week.

After that, he plans to release more details on the race course, which he said is awaiting approval from the authorities.

Interested athletes can sign up on-line at www.11global.com/singapore2008.html

jwang@sph.com.sg