Posted: April 8 2005

Triathlon: Record Number of Athletes Will Compete in St. Anthony's Triathlon

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (April 7, 2005) – St. Anthony’s Triathlon will continue its historic tradition as one of the nation’s premier multi-sport events by returning for its 22nd year to the downtown waterfront with a record number of competitors.

This year, the popular event sold out individual registrations in just 24 hours, the fastest in St. Anthony’s history.

Known for its scenic course along the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront and attracting high-caliber competition from around the world, St. Anthony’s Triathlon introduced several changes to this year’s event schedule, including increased purses for the first and second place pro finishers, more capacity for the relay competition, as well as a novice category for first-time triathletes. The race will also begin a half hour earlier, to take advantage of cooler temperatures.

Organizers also added a pre-race reception for athletes and a concert featuring legendary 1970s rock band, Firefall. The reception is in Vinoy Park on Friday, April 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. The concert, also in Vinoy Park, is from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 23. (Firefall performs at 5 p.m.)

The weekend of competition begins Saturday with the Meek & Mighty Triathlon, which takes place at North Shore Pool. The event 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. 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 in Vinoy Park at 11 a.m.

On Sunday, more than 3,000 athletes and 100 relay teams will compete in the 22nd annual St. Anthony's Triathlon, which is the USA Triathlon’s Regional Championship for the Olympic distance. The triathlon begins at 7 a.m. with alternate wave starts at Spa Beach for the 1.5K swim. Following the 40K bike throughout downtown and southeast 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.

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 22–24 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.

St. Anthony’s Triathlon is sponsored and produced by St. Anthony’s Health Care, a private, not-for-profit health care organization dedicated to improving the health of the community.