Florida's Newest Endurance Event Set for October
LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. (August 2, 2010) -- The Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce has announced plans for the island's first ever triathlon, The Longboat Key Triathlon, on Sunday, October 24, 2010. Hosted at the Longboat Key Club & Resort, the endurance event will start at 7:30 a.m. and include a half-mile swim, 20-mile cycling ride and five-mile run.
"We are projecting a field of 600 to 800 participants for this inaugural event, and will be happy to welcome them during our traditionally slower fall season," said Tom Aposporos, president, Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce. "They can still expect beautiful weather, but will benefit from off-season pricing on accommodations."
Planning for the event began in the summer of 2009 with logistics assistance from Philip LaHaye, Event Director for the St. Anthony's Triathlon in St. Petersburg, Fla., the third largest in the world. LaHaye has worked closely with the Chamber and specific Town of Longboat Key officials over the past year to create a safe, competitive triathlon course. In addition, TDA Florida South, LLC, the parent company of the Sarasota Open, will provide on-site event management assistance.
"You couldn't ask for a better triathlon environment," said LaHaye. "Longboat Key's temperatures and flat terrain are perfect for competitive endurance athletes, and every aspect of the race was designed with competitor safety in mind."
The triathlon begins with a half-mile swim in the lagoon just south of the Club property, followed by a 20-mile bike ride along Gulf of Mexico Drive. The final leg of the race will be a five-mile run through the Longboat Key Club & Resort property, offering outstanding views of the grounds and golf course.
Organizers hope that the Longboat Key Triathlon will draw as many as 1,500 participants in the near future, and will soon become one of the top triathlons nationwide.
For more information on participation, please visit www.longboatkeytri.com.
About Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key
Ideally located between Sarasota and Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key, and on the mainland, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, form a magical margin along Florida's beautiful southwest coast with their small town, Old Florida charm, breath-taking scenery, funky dining and shopping districts, and miles of sugar-white sands.
The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes tourism to Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch through domestic and international advertising, public relations and marketing efforts. For more information, call (941) 729-9177, ext. 231 or visit www.AnnaMariaIsland-LongboatKey.com.
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