Triathlon: St. Anthony's Triathlon introduces New Changes, welcomes 1,000 Additional Athletes

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (March 3, 2004) – The 21st annual St. Anthony’s Triathlon will continue its history as one of the premier multi-sport events in the United States by offering exciting new changes for competitors and spectators.

Organizers made the changes to meet the triathlon's continuously growing popularity. For example, the event venue for 2004 moved from Straub Park to nearby Vinoy Park to accommodate additional triathletes and a new professional category to the amateur race on Sunday, April 25. The 2004 race capped at 3,000 individuals, which is a 50 percent increase from the 2,000 competitors in 2003. Relay teams remained at 50. The new professional category will feature 50 top triathletes competing for a $50,000 prize purse. Despite the increase in competitors, event registration closed in a record five days, the fastest ever in St. Anthony's history.

The weekend kicks off with a Sports & Fitness Expo at Vinoy Park (free of charge) from noon to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 23. The expo also will be available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, and 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 25. The expo will feature free product samples and great buys.

The 2004 triathlon features a new pre-race, pasta dinner that is open to both competitors and the local community. The dinner will be Saturday, April 24, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Dex Imaging Athletes Pavilion at Vinoy Park. The pasta dinner costs $10 for the general public, $5 for kids 14 and under and free for competitors. Guests will be able to mingle, enjoy the beautiful waterfront and listen to the sounds of reggae while filling up on pasta before race day.

The weekend of competition begins Saturday, April 24, with the Meek & Mighty Triathlon at North Shore Pool. The event, which is a short distance race for youths ages 7-14 and novice adults, is a crowd favorite because of its unique, run-bike-pool swim format.

Children aged 7-10 begin at 10 a.m., with a 1-mile run, a 3.6-mile bike and finish with a 100-yard pool swim. Children aged 11-14 begin at 9 a.m. and compete in a 1-mile run, 5.4-mile bike and finish with a 200-yard pool swim. Athletes who are 15 and up begin at 8 a.m. with a 1-mile run, a 5.4-mile bike course and finish with a 200-yard pool swim. The Meek & Mighty Triathlon also features an awards party sponsored by Cha Cha Coconuts.

On Sunday, more than 3,000 athletes and 50 relay teams will compete in the 21st annual St. Anthony's Triathlon, which is the USAT’s Regional Championship for the Olympic distance. The triathlon begins at 7:30 a.m. with alternate wave starts at Spa Beach for the 1.5K swim. Following the 40K bike throughout downtown St. Petersburg, competitors hit the pavement to complete a 10K run that finishes at Vinoy Park. The race ends with a festive awards party featuring live music and great food provided by Columbia Restaurant.

Area residents can be part of this world-class event by volunteering to assist with registration, distribute water to athletes, assist at the finish line, or serve in a number of other important roles. Volunteers are needed April 23–25 and will receive a commemorative race T-shirt, access to the volunteer hospitality tent and an opportunity to interact with world-class athletes. To volunteer, call 727-825-1271 or register online at www.satriathlon.com.

Applications still are being accepted for professionals competing on Sunday and for the Meek & Mighty Triathlon on Saturday. Both categories are expected to be filled well before race day.