Hi all,
 
The first Painathlon entries for 2009 are filtering in so we look forward to receiving more.
A few good developments to report this week.
 
EARLY BIRD ENTRY - Closes next week!  To save $20 on individual entry or $10 per person on team or Half-Painathlon entry, download your entry form and pay through the website link www.painathlon.com/payment or transfer before June 15th.
 
ENTRY FORM return option - Either by post or sign/scan/email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  .
 
VOLUNTEERING - As prior Painathletes know, our friendly volunteer support team truly gives the event it's great atmosphere.  If you are NOT competing this year but would like to help out as a challenge marshall (or other role) please make contact with us and we'll be happy to use you.  We can use you for a whole day or part-day.
 
RACE-TOP - A special sneak look at our race-tops for this year are attached.  The red/black combination is for the solo Painathletes and the blue/green is for the Teams and Half-Painathletes.  We gathered from feedback last year that you'd like to be able to wear the top post-event so the Bodytorque designers have lengthened the design by 6 inches so competitors will have a great running singlet to show off.
 
NEW RACE-TOP SPONSOR - We welcome aboard race-top sponsors, public affairs solutions company Hawker Britton
 
FIRST 2009 FAMILIARISER - The first familiariser run i can personally take will be on:
 

Sunday June 21st, 7am at City Beach.  A run through of challenges 1-5 (only one repetition of each).  I would appreciate an email prior to the day if you're attending (for approx numbers) but will be there regardless if you forget to let us know.

In relation to anyone looking for coaching, I can set up a basic training guide for athletes, or I can provide a discount for painathletes wanting a personalized training program.

Also, with the event looming relatively soon, can I suggest that we setup some set dates to run some cycle sessions for riders to become familiar with the course. I can run these sessions as long as I can set the dates early, and these can be done by motorpace and or me riding with them.

Finally for those willing to get an early start into the training, please let all know that I carry out indoor ergo sessions here on Wednesday nights starting at 6.30pm - 7.30-8.00pm. The cost is only $5 if they bring their own indoor trainer or 410 if they need to hire one (this must be booked as we only have limited spare ergos). This session would usually cost $10 with their own ergo, and $15 with the hire, so it is basically giving PainAthletes a 50% discount on the session. The block of sessions I am currently running is extremely relevant to those participating in such and event as we are doing endurance power sessions which will lead onto timed aerobic efforts and then on to threshold sessions for time trial style efforts.

• Yes! There will be multiple marshalls stationed at each challenge location to watch your bikes and bag while you're running.
• Teams - You will have one race control card between you, and a minimum of one member 'must' run each leg and punch off the card.  The split up of who runs which challenges is left up to the team.  Additionally more than one team member may run any challenge if they feel like it!
• Sponsors -  may donate online for your run via the Variety Web page.  Just be sure they mention Painathlon and your name in the relevant section so we know who it's sponsoring.